John Carrol Kirby, ‘Blowout’ review: an experimentation with sound and synthesis
John Carrol Kirby by Sela Shiloni
An exciting, refreshing new release where smooth jazz meets electronic funk to create something original and groovy. Layers of creative sound and rich texture form an enthralling and diverse landscape. The instruments fit together like puzzle pieces; every addition adds a new flavour to the music. There are touches of nostalgia in this musical masterpiece, no doubt from Kirby’s training in classic piano jazz from times gone by.
Blowout was inspired by Kirby’s time playing with locals in Costa Rica and imagining “blowout” moments of failure and delusion in the collective, such as the renowned Fyre Festival or Heaven’s Gate cult. The collaboration between the musicians and the world of the lively rainforest are brought to the listener through the music as if one were there participating with them.
A mixture of evocative instruments creates a vibrant atmosphere – of note are the woodwinds, percussion, and juicy synthesiser. They seem to respond to one another, specifically in the opening track, “Oropendola,” where there’s a nice interpolation going on between many of the instruments. There’s so much happening, it’s hard to focus in on one particular moment! Kirby certainly doesn’t shy away from making mistakes and incorporating spontaneity, which is what makes this album so riveting.
There’s also an experimentation with sound and synthesis occurring in Blowout, following the theme of ingenious irregularity. For example, in the seven-minute-long “Gecko Sounds,” the rhythm of the congas with the horns jumping in here and there and the underlying hum of a pad every now and then is very satisfying to one’s aural sense. What sounds like an organic sample of water rippling out is reminiscent of rain falling or a slow-moving river somewhere in the Costa Rican jungle, too, further adding to the texture that makes such a signature mark on this album.
Three dub mixes bring you down into alternative takes of “Mates,” “Hotel Jonny Chingas,” and “So So So.” Although a little more simplified and stripped down compared to the other songs, there's still a dynamic flow to be found. Great for those of you who might need some extra funk and heaviness.
The reviewer’s opinion: Blowout is unlike anything I’ve ever heard and leaves me craving more. I’m keen on hearing the next album already. Utterly mindblowing. I’ve not been this entranced in a new release for quite a long time! My favourite is “Hotel Jonny Chingas,” but I can’t decide if it’s the dub mix I like more. If anything’s for certain, it is that Kirby has perfected the recipe for the ultimate music experience in just fifty-seven minutes.
Blowout will be your jam if you want something to dance to or put on to impress your guests.
Stream Blowout by John Carroll Kirby, out now via Stones Throw.
