KOAN Sound & Asa preview new ‘Sanctuary’ EP

KOAN Sound & Asa
‘Sanctuary’ EP
(Inspected / OWSLA)

Release Date: Mon 22nd October 2013
Up next on Inspected Records is the stunning new collaborative EP from fellow Bristol artists KOAN Sound & Asa. Eschewing the constraints of dance music, the new record sees them exploring more expansive sonic territory, blending electronic and acoustic arrangements and ultimately creating something fresh with the diverse five-track ‘Sanctuary’ EP, which is set to drop on Inspected on 22nd October in partnership with OWSLA.

The lush strings and live drum groove of the title track provide a fluid and emotive opening to the EP before ‘Starlite’ comes in balancing its sombre piano line and shimmering synths against a skittering drum & bass rhythm and warped bassline, while on ‘This Time Around’ Koo joins KOAN Sound & Asa contributing her velveteen vocals to their intricate production. ‘Fuego’ takes a more dance floor-facing but no less unique approach with its bright synth hooks, chopped vocals and skippy percussion before ‘Tetsuo’s Redemption’ completes the EP on a darker note, playing it out on its whip-crack drums and fierce low-end energy.

Over the last five years, KOAN Sound have consistently proved themselves to be a unique talent. Working on a string of releases with Inspected and OWSLA they have continued to focus and evolve their sound, following their Beatport topping ‘Funk Blaster’ EP with the acclaimed ‘The Adventures of Mr Fox’ EP late last year. They are currently in the middle of a North American tour alongside Bassnectar. Fellow Bristolian producer Asa has also been making a strong name for himself over the last few years with a slew of productions that run the gamut of sounds from grime to electronica, drawn together by his consistent ear for detail and quality.

Following a year of work, their collaboration has now come to fruition on the ‘Sanctuary’ EP, and the results are outstanding.

Tracklist:
1. Sanctuary
2. Starlite
3. This Time Around ft. Koo
4. Fuego
5. Tetsuo’s Redemption