Baltimore DJ and production don Karizma’s “Kaytronik” alter ego has been supplying dark and dubby remixes for some years now, but it’s now been allowed to take full control for a full album. And what an album it is. Known for his crisp cuts and fast, energetic mixes when on the decks, Kris’s DJing style is evident throughout the arrangements on Thee Album. Eclectic to the extreme yet unmistakably created in a style all his own, Thee Album takes in a variety of styles and tempos, with a rich vein of funk evident throughout. This record almost feels like a House producer’s love letter to old school Hip Hop, such is the approach to beats and samples. Bmore, Ghetto House and bona fide Deep gems rub shoulders with neck-snapping, Dilla-esque boom-bap. But beneath the undeniably dance-able production, there’s a strong social and political message, calling to mind Theo Parrish’s modern classic American Intelligence. “Holy (Let’s Not Play)” and “State We In” I found to be deeply powerful, hypnotic and moving listening experiences, whilst the pure unbridled dancefloor joy of “Nice Mutha” and “I Say” will send them straight into the DJ bag.
A broad slice of Kaytronik’s fascinating musical mind, I can’t recommend Thee Album enough.
Published first in 5 Mag Issue #129, featuring Mood II Swing, Martin EZ, Terry Hunger & Jon Pierce, a year hands-on with the Rane MP2015 and more. Become a member of 5 Magazine for First & Full access to everything House Music and save 60%!
