Maribou State's latest endeavour is a veritable music buffet, filled with savoury melodies and soundscapes. Following the success of 2015's Portraits, Maribou State, aka Chris Davids and Liam Ivory, return with their much anticipated sophomore album. In addition to being a smorgasbord of sonic delights, Kingdoms in Colour cements the London duo's status as rising stars within the electronic music scene.
Maribou State's musicianship has long fielded comparisons to the likes of Bonobo, Portishead and the xx — acts that have garnered critical acclaim and reverence for their creative, minimal and sophisticated approach to downtempo. Similarly, Davids and Ivory thrive in the liminal space between organic and electronic; they show a unique knack for percussive brilliance, as well as clear vision of what is it they want to impart with their music. Standout tracks include "Vale" and "Kãma," whose layered instrumentals dazzle under airy vocals. The album also notably features Houston's Khruangbin ("Feel Good") and returning vocalist Holly Walker ("Nervous Tics"/"Slow Heat").
Kingdoms in Colour was inspired, in part, by Maribou State's experiences abroad following more than a year of touring. From Australia to Morocco, the LP succeeds in its efforts to transport the listener to another place. "The idea with Maribou State was always to draw on influences from different parts of the world," says Ivory in the album's press release. "By traveling, sampling, recording, we wanted to create this all-encompassing thing."
Maribou State's new LP delivers a musical mosaic that stays true to the roots of downtempo, while exploring new ground through diverse influences and styles.
(Counter Records)Maribou State's musicianship has long fielded comparisons to the likes of Bonobo, Portishead and the xx — acts that have garnered critical acclaim and reverence for their creative, minimal and sophisticated approach to downtempo. Similarly, Davids and Ivory thrive in the liminal space between organic and electronic; they show a unique knack for percussive brilliance, as well as clear vision of what is it they want to impart with their music. Standout tracks include "Vale" and "Kãma," whose layered instrumentals dazzle under airy vocals. The album also notably features Houston's Khruangbin ("Feel Good") and returning vocalist Holly Walker ("Nervous Tics"/"Slow Heat").
Kingdoms in Colour was inspired, in part, by Maribou State's experiences abroad following more than a year of touring. From Australia to Morocco, the LP succeeds in its efforts to transport the listener to another place. "The idea with Maribou State was always to draw on influences from different parts of the world," says Ivory in the album's press release. "By traveling, sampling, recording, we wanted to create this all-encompassing thing."
Maribou State's new LP delivers a musical mosaic that stays true to the roots of downtempo, while exploring new ground through diverse influences and styles.