Koan Sound
Sanctuary

Perhaps until the fourth track, I wouldn't have really understood that KOAN had a hand in this, were it not for some bursts of wobble or some scratchy lead here and there. And I say here and there because this work doesn't seem to have come out of the Bristol duo's forge, or at least it neither immediately nor openly reveals that sound loud&proud typical of the project. On the contrary, the opening scenario is totally the opposite: "Sanctuary", the first track of the EP, reveals a surprisingly harmonious, fresh, peaceful atmosphere full of strings. Yet all this doesn't tire at all; if the background is relaxing, the beat, on the other hand, keeps a firm grip on the steering wheel and drives the track with energy. We effortlessly transition to "Starlite", but the identity and character of the authors slowly unfolds: it should be remembered that alongside KOAN throughout the EP operates a well-known Bristol producer, ASA, most likely the main inspirer of the soft side of this work. Meanwhile, a slow instrumental part is laid over a vehement d’n’b rhythm that first rises and then fades into a broad piano outro: beautiful. Followed by the main vocal track of the EP "This Time Around", and now we board a mystical express headed for a distant and timeless orient, cradled by a voice more unnatural than feminine. If these three tracks until now had graced us, now things start to get serious; here they are finally at work, KOAN Sound as we knew them, and "Fuego" is pure energy that vibrates, bounces on the crest of sound waves, and comes to life. It is the track that undoubtedly reminds me the most of the duo's previous works, particularly "Funk Blaster". And it is in this style that KOAN concludes the spiritual journey of Sanctuary, with "Tetsuo Redemption", a true sonic redemption dominated by darker and heavier sounds fluttering from everywhere (they needed to let loose at the end).

Conclusions: "Sanctuary" is a great EP of rupture, but with style. Probably there are those who will accuse KOAN Sound of having bowed or softened, from my perspective they emerge renewed and musically improved after this "spiritual journey": the sound is fresher, the pieces are more elaborate but not tiresome, the grooves and structures are skillfully diluted, the harmony is there and breathes. And the energy that so characterizes the duo is not missing. If "Funk Blaster" is the more earthly, underground, and urban level of bass music, here we are beyond, we are in the Sanctuary, a transcendental blend of aggressiveness and sweetness that makes you dream.