Catalog Number

THRILL 475

Format

LP

AMG Rating

4

Description

"Koen Holtkamp's majestic solo recordings under his own name have blended field recordings with abstract droning, and constructed dense tapestries using guitar static and analog synth textures. He debuted his Beast project in 2017 with two simultaneously issued LPs containing music designed for audio-visual performances involving 3D laser projections. While sonically recognizable as Holtkamp's music, the compositions were his most accessible to date, with a much greater rhythmic focus and forward momentum. Ens is the third Beast album, and the first to appear on Thrill Jockey, longtime home of both Holtkamp and Mountains, his duo with Brendon Anderegg. Recorded as Holtkamp was anticipating the birth of his first child, Ens is heartfelt, joyful, and full of wonder. More accessible than anything he's done previously, the album mixes playful drum machine rhythms with astral synth arpeggios and scattered yet melodic notes. The music has more in common with minimalism, '80s synth pop, Fourth World fusion, and even downtempo IDM than Holtkamp's other recordings." - Allmusic.com

Original Release Date

2018

Purchase Date

3/8/2019

Store

Thrill Jockey website

Price Paid

$18.00

Version Release Date

2018

Colored Vinyl

True