Future Focus 039: Kult Kyss, PNK FME x Ivoryghost, Borderland State, PNAU
Words by Georgia Griffiths, Luke Byatt, Joshua Bowling (Dream Coast), Justin Pix
Welcome to Future Focus, an editorial series providing a personable glimpse into some of best music releasing in the scene. Future Focus 039 features the diverse and vibrant sounds of Kult Kyss, PNK FME x Ivoryghost, Borderland State and PNAU.
Kult Kyss - Kill That Beat
By Georgia Griffiths
Melbourne duo Kult Kyss have released their third track of 2020, ‘Kill That Beat’, a bouncing dance track with a sense of urgency behind it. Self-described as “merging future pop with ritual noise”, Kult Kyss have created a track that envelops you in their world of layered beats and dance floor noise.
‘Kill That Beat’ opens with an oscillating synth line amid whispers of vocalist Rromarin’s repeated “kill that beat you’re hunting” that will resurface throughout the track. The key to this track is its persistent percussion and its driving bassline which lies beneath Rromarin’s airy, layered vocals. Some restrained horns and swelling synths fill out the production of the track, creating a deep soundscape that keeps you returning to focus on each part. While ‘Kill That Beat’ has you moving, there’s also an ominous feel to the track - you’re moving because you don’t want to find out what happens when you stop.
Kult Kyss have set themselves up for the year to come with ‘Kill That Beat’. It further carves their niche in the Australian electronic landscape for dark future pop that no one else has been able to fill yet. Having signed to Seismic Talent Agency earlier this year and with an EP on the way, 2021 is definitely shaping up to be their year.
Kult Kyss (Provided)
PNK FME - Firing Rifle (Ivoryghost Remix)
By Luke Byatt
Hailing from the wind swept coastal city of Vlissingen in The Netherlands, Ivoryghost imbues the harsh yet beautiful environment that surrounds him into the remix of PNK FME's 'Firing Rifle'.
The ‘Firing Rifle’ remix reflects the original's dark lyrical essence with a somber semblance within the production bed. Ivoryghost implements rich Vocal Downtempo with traditional UK Garage ensembles to form a cloudy composition. If you love the surging sounds of Burial, Vacant, or Sorrow, the ‘Firing Rifle’ remix is certain to delight. Ivoryghost's rework of 'Firing Rifle' is the second remix that's come from PNK FME camp, the first being a Progressive House rendition of 'Body Language' from Sydney producer and avid baker, Lucian. Each remix brought the forward thinking sonics of the next generation of artistry in the dance scene.
PNK FME's 'Firing Rifle' is in safe hands of an up and coming heavyweight in the European electronic circuit.
PNK FME & Ivoryghost by Zara Mutti and Max Den Engelsman
Borderland State - Ode
By Joshua Bowling (Dream Coast)
With an eye for detail and emphasis on creating a journey, Borderland State is an exciting electronic producer making music suitable for both the dancefloor and the bedroom floor. After a string of releases last year including the summer-ready ‘Say It’ (Exist Recordings) and the euphoric ‘Collider’ (Here to Hell), 2020 has given the Sunshine Coast native a welcome chance to hone his sound and vision.
Marking Borderland State’s debut with Anjunabeats, ‘Ode’ begins with an ambient foundation, a shimmering bed of pads and signature distant piano immerses the listener in his hazy, dream-like world. A textured four-to-the-floor rhythm builds and a driving arpeggio arrives, the rich Moog sequence delivers a rush of adrenaline that is sure to send dancefloors into a frenzy. After a sparse midpoint the analogue synth sequence returns changed, finishing the song on a high with a euphoric melody.
2021 is set to be a big year for Borderland State, with preparations for shows (including rescheduled dates at the excellent Arcadia Festival on May 1-3) and new releases underway. We will be waiting patiently for more news...
Borderland State by Mitch Lowe
PNAU - River (Feat. Ladyhawke)
By Justin Pix
‘River’, a huge collaboration between iconic dance duo, PNAU and New Zealand pop wonder, Ladyhawke is set to lead us into 2021.
‘River’ pays homage to the PNAU’s early club days (particularly drawing parallels to ‘Embrace’) while also coating itself with a contemporary finish. The catchy beat features an energetic groove, with a buoyant bass and demanding drums, paving the way for Ladyhawke’s memorial performance. From embracing a catchy break in the chorus to lucious verses, Ladyhawke and PNAU bridges us back to the recognisable sound of 2000s Australian House music.
‘River’ certainly gears us up for the Australian summer and we are just itching for more from PNAU!