Concubine

Kingfisher

BY Anthony AugustinePublished Apr 6, 2016

8
Back together after their self-titled, JUNO-nominated debut, Concubine (aka Rick Bull and Noah Pred) dive deep on this three-track EP, working in a number of styles without losing focus or taking too many left turns.
 
"Kingfisher" is anchored by a woozy bass line that drives the bottom end and incessant hi-hats that cut through the mix, while understated synth melodies and a house-y vocal sample pull everything together. Born out of a jam session during soundcheck during their first appearance at Berlin's Panorama Bar, "PB&J" captures the forceful but trippy vibe found on their debut and ramps it up a notch. "Drowning" may be the most concentrated version of Concubine's style on the EP, honing into the space between low-slung rhythms and melodic techno. Putting an emphasis on maximizing the impact of each element, "Drowning" builds tension and mood using a concise approach.
 
Built from a refined sound palette, Kingfisher isn't about reinvention, but rather a thoughtful summary of what makes Concubine's approach in the studio so compelling.
(Concubine)

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