Maribou State - Kingdoms in Colour

Maribou State
Kingdoms in Colour
2018
Spotify

There is something about an expansive downtempo electronic album that really hits a nerve with me. It likely started with Zero 7, or at least that's the first time I remember being truly swept away by something so gentle yet vivid. Disclousre recently released four tracks that while heavily disco influences also felt like they were stretching for a similar sound, Maribou State however have found it. This record feels like it can go anywhere and do anything while laying back in the cut. "Turnmills" is this song that wraps up the whole album. It's acoustic at one moment then highly electronic at another. The song travels across the globe and comes back with some thoughts to reflect on, just like this entire record. "Glasshouses" is a wonderful standout that takes you on this slow build until becomes this euphoric gentle sing a long repeating "falling bottles, don't forget me, falling bottles, in this kingdom I own". It's just a purely stunning song that spills in to yet another amazing track "Part Time Glory". Before you know it the track has morphed into this totally new song where the beginning feels like a distant memory. So much of this album changes so quickly that there is little point trying to find a through line that doesn't really seem to matter. The samples and chopped up vocals on "Feel Good" add this new dimension of hip hop that wasn't there before. The album I may be describing could be too varied to sound like a cohesive work, but the opposite is true. All the different elements are what makes the record so very special.

L:ittle synth ad libs and fluttery flute sounds come in and out just filling you with such delight. This album is perfect for so many situations from an all out dance party to a chilled back relaxing weekend drive there is something for everyone and actually it's all for everyone. This is the kind of album you'd be happy to share with your parents or grandparents, not because it isn't edgy, but because it doesn't need to go for vulgarity to be interesting. Instead of using the baser, perhaps even easier emotions of love or anger, Kingdoms in Colour searches for a middle road of contentment. Even Vale which at the outset feels like it might be some kind of acid house throwback comes in with an echoey guitar to bring things back to earth. It is such a wonderful journey this record takes you on that you end up with such a warm and cozy feeling. This album never lets you down and delivers far greater than you would ever expect. Don't let summer slip away without listening to this one first.

9.0 out of 10