Keys N Krates debuts long awaited, intoxicating LP, ‘Cura’Keys N Krates

Keys N Krates debuts long awaited, intoxicating LP, ‘Cura’

After what seems like an eternity to fans, Canadian trio Keys N Krates — drummer Adam Tune, keyboardist David Matisse, and turntablist Jr. Flo —  released one of the most highly anticipated albums of the year. Titled Cura, the skillfully crafted collection has captivated fans from all over the world for its unique, otherworldly style and original cultivation of sounds.

The lead track on the LP, “Início,” is a glowing fury of intoxicating synths, mellow chops of intriguing vocal samples, and harmonic waves of bass. The piece features edgy beats and uplifting progressions.


Flo: I think it was about pivoting our music into a direction that we were all personally psyched about. Doing it in the form of an album or collection of music really felt right cause it allowed us to put all the different records in a broader context of our overall vibe which can be soundtrack-y, soulful, sample based (or sounding), and dramatic. It really feels like a bit of mission statement but also a new launch point for us.

“Glitter” is an infectious medley of groovy bass infused with compelling vocals by Ambrè Perkins and pretty flowing melodies. As this piece vastly strays from the typical sound of contemporary dance music, Keys N Krates illuminates their perspective on the scene as a whole, and how they move about in the realm where they do not fit the typical mold.


Tune: I think we learned that we just aren’t that passionate about a lot of the big EDM records happening right now, and that we are cool with distancing ourselves from all that. We always find ourselves personally gravitating to the musical, soulful and imaginative electronic stuff like Mura Masa, Kaytranada, Cashmere Cat, or stuff coming off the DirtyBird label, to a lot of rap music (both current and classic), and also to a lot of soul and soundtrack music from the 70’s like Isaac Hayes, or even jazz stuff like Dorothy Ashby. I think we were trying to take all the things we love and combine them with the skills we’ve learned to make a body of work that we felt stood a part from everything else; especially the big EDM stuff.

Another highlight of the album, “Something Wonderful,” is a testament to the trio’s production strength and eclectic technical ability. “Something Wonderful” is a statement piece, and the work of art can stand alone, yet fits in with audio aesthetic of the whole.


Matisse: I think for Tune and Greg it was about a cohesive sound. One of the things I was adamant about is that there was no fat on the album. That every song or track was interesting and could stand as interesting on it’s own, even if it was just a more instrumental song.

“Harpes At Night” showcases the evolution of sound that Keys N Krates has effortlessly mastered. With calming undertones contrasted with breezy notes and an absence of percussion, the trio has come full circle with their forward-thinking sound.

Flo: Probably just that we are growing and maturing and we are trying to start making stuff that we can all listen to years down the line hopefully.

Needless to say, with the birth of their first studio album, Keys N Krates has mastered their own signature innovative sound, and has set the bar high for what’s to come in the next chapter of their musical endeavors.

Tune: More music, more shows, and to just keep making everything better and better. We are just here to get better.

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