Mount Kimbie Sheds Meticulous Sound for Bold New Direction

Mount Kimbie's second album, Cold Spring Fault Less Youth, signals a deliberate shift from their debut's polished electronics. The London duo embraces greater risks, particularly with vocal performances and the inclusion of collaborator King Krule. They incorporate live instrumentation, weaving thumbed bass lines and crumpling drums into their intricate electronic soundscapes. This evolution allows the music to feel more open, less constrained by their previous meticulous approach.

The album, released on Warp, retains a focus on detail but is now infused with an 'outside air' quality. Tracks like the opening "Made to Stray" demonstrate this new direction, blending electronic elements with assertive brass sounds. King Krule, known for his gravelly voice, adds a distinctive texture to songs like "You Took Your Time" and "Meter, Pale, Tone," providing a compelling contrast to Mount Kimbie's own vocalists.

Maker and Campos also feature their own vocals, employing blocky sing-chants reminiscent of shape-note singing on tracks such as "Blood and Form." While this sonic expansion sacrifices some of their earlier agility, the album avoids feeling strained. Cold Spring Fault Less Youth represents a personal triumph for Mount Kimbie, showcasing a more ambitious and creatively liberated phase.