Kmru - Kin - Japan CD

Credits:

Kmru

Description:

Silence, roar, reverberation. KMRU’s latest achievement, which encompasses it all. Joseph Kamaru, known as KMRU—a Nairobi-born, Berlin-based sound artist who has also confirmed his first-ever Japan tour with EACHSTORY—is releasing the Japanese edition of his latest album, *Kin*, on Editions Mego, his first release since the 2020 masterpiece *Peel*! His close friend Fennesz, with whom he toured the U.S., makes a guest appearance on one track! KMRU has long blended ambient sounds and electronic soundscapes with a unique sensibility, centered around field recordings and drones. Having performed at festivals and concerts around the world and established himself as one of the leading figures in the contemporary ambient and experimental scene, he ventures into new sonic territory on this album by boldly incorporating noise, distortion, and the texture of the guitar more than ever before. The concept for *Kin* began with a conversation with the late Peter Rehberg, who led Editions Mego, about “what kind of work to create after *Peel*.” Production began in Nairobi in early 2021 but was temporarily halted following Peter Rehberg’s death. Production slowly resumed in 2022 and was eventually completed over time. As indicated by the words “For Pita.” inscribed at the end of the album, this work also embodies deep respect and remembrance for him. In the opening track, “With Trees Where We Can See,” a warm, undulating melody gently guides the listener into the album’s world. The following track, “Blurred,” was born from his collaboration with Fennesz, with whom he toured the U.S. alongside KMRU in 2022. The sound of a guitar plucked like a string instrument overlaps with a shimmering, massive drone, creating a beautiful yet otherworldly sonic space characteristic of Editions Mego. Meanwhile, “TheyAreHere” unfolds into a shadowed, melancholic drone, while “Maybe” evolves into a storm of euphoric electronic sounds. In “WeAre,” sharp noise and complex rhythmic patterns clash, leaving a strong impression of a new facet of KMRU. Finally, in the closing track “By Absence,” acoustic resonance and kaleidoscopic soundscapes intertwine, bringing the album to a close while simultaneously inviting the listener into another world beyond. Serene ambience, beautifully expansive drones, gritty noise, guitar reverberations, and countless textures that shift ever so subtly. *Kin* is layered with intricate details that cannot be fully grasped on a single listen. New sounds and landscapes emerge with every listen; this is truly a work whose true value is revealed through repeated listening. Slowly, and at high volume. An intense sonic experience that captures KMRU’s current state.

Tracklisting:

1.With Trees Where We Can See
2.Blurred (feat. Fennesz)
3.They Are Here
4.Maybe
5.We Are
6.By Absence