Kin Za Za could quite possibly be compared to a serving of fine cuisine. Succulent, with carefully chosen spices which, combined, create the perfect taste. Appealing to the senses. Satisfying, but at the same time leaving you wanting more.
Yes, Kin Za Za is all this and much, much more. And you need look no further than their debut album, number one in shambala, to find out for yourself why.
This dynamic duo, with roots from all over the globe and a home base in Montreal, have combined their eclectic tastes and talents to cook up a unique entrée of rich harmonies, ambient vibes, threads of folk, and electronic beats.
Yet, don't be fooled - this music, according to the artist, "is not a fusion of styles... not a fusion of cultures." It is instead "a fusion of feelings, a fusion of different truths... the fusion of death and birth and whatever lies between." Pretty deep. And so is the music of Kin Za Za, as one will quickly observe when listening to number one in shambala.
Consisting of two members, Kin Za Za can be credited not only with composing and performing their own music, but producing their own expressive music videos in addition.
Jozy is the duo's vocalist and co-songwriter. Her honest, rich vocalizations help create a magical, serene mood for each track. Apart from singing, Jozy, former teacher/choreographer for 'Evidance' dance company, plans out many of the moves for the duo's music videos.
Dimitri is the multi-gifted second half of Kin Za Za, with talents that range from performing to song writing to filmmakng to producing. After years of wandering the globe over - he has made his mark in Russia, Germany, and China, amongst others - he landed in Canada, where destiny brought him and Jozy together to create some of modern music's most unique and inspiring songs.
From this cosmic meeting is the duo's pure and sweet début album, number one in shambala. Each song offers something exceptional, be it Jozy's enticing voice, dreamy lyrics, or lush instrumentation. The songs on the record are concise, avoiding the trap of drawn-out howl, which only leaves room for more in the musical stomach of the listener. Each track is broken up by two brief musical interludes, Spirit that Left and Falling. These interludes, lasting no more than forty seconds, act as a segue into the following track and contain some of the most interesting experimentation on the album, with electronic runs of notes, touches of Jozy's haunting beautiful voice, and in the latter, a hip-hop feel from an urban sounding drum track that resembles a motor, or perhaps a flock of birds - let the listener decide.
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This album's first song, The River, is nothing short of perfect. With beautiful vocal harmonies and a memorable melody, mixing short guitar breaks with drops of piano in the background, this song is both profound and spiritual, The River is a delectable effort on the duo's behalf, and aptly sets the tone for the remainder of the release.
One of the shining moments on number one in shambala is the track entitled "When You Arrive". Starting out with the hum of low strings, it leads into a melodic intro by Jozy. Soft harmonies float, dance, and ultimately create a sound that is both heavenly and serene. The song is like a sun shower - rejuvenating like rain and full of light. Fans of the likes of Enya or Sarah McLachlan will love the smooth, peaceful quality this song offers to the recording. The strings on the track - stately and poignant - add a new dimension to the music and speak on their own.
Kin Za Za are all about innovation, and this is best demonstrated in the song "Waltz", which puts a new spin on an old style of music. In fact, those who know the waltz will find its familiar feel is barely recognizable in this song, unless you listen very closely. Sharp, industrial-power drum shots work as an effective contrast to the soft, drifting vocals of the song, and add a drive to the music that makes this track entirely unique. Another noticeably innovative song (although they all are in their own respect) is "Mid Knight", a cleverly titled track that resonates with a tribal pulse.
And no, "Blackbird" is not a cover of the famed Beatles tune.
number one in shambala is the kind of album you can listen to on repeat, and find something new and worth exploring just a little further each and every time - whether it is a touch of accordion in "Endless Freedom", the nature imagery in "Mirror", the introduction of a trance beat in "Mid Knight", or the snips of tremolo guitar-picking in the folky, uplifting "Elation". Each song offers something different, and each is masterful in its unique approach.
This album is recommended for anyone who appreciates beauty, wants a spiritual experience, enjoys a blend of traditional and modern sounds, or just wants to try something new. With such diversity, there is surely something to be found for those who choose to indulge. Whatever your tastes are, this pièce de résistance is a 'piece' that spells "irresistible".
By Betsy MacDonald, CanEHdian.com
