Kid Koala - “Allotropic”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 9

Pairs Well With…DJ Shadow, Oneohtrix Point Never, Cut Chemist

Gotta give a nod to the internet by putting 2003 cough-sampling track “Flu Season” to the top Kid Koala’s Spotify popular tracks, a weird shoutout to quarantine creativity in just over a minute. Weirdly, it’s not a bad introduction to the Canadian turntablist’s music, an artist that shares an eye-opening breadth of sound over his two-decade-long catalog. Jazzy, electric hip hop samples highlight Some of My Best Friends Are DJs, cacophony and psychedelia taking hold of You Mom’s Favourite DJ, deep-rooted blues and tripped-out effects on 12 bit Blues - Kid Koala succeeds by totally committing to each project and constantly employing a masterful touch to his scratches, changes, and pace. On his latest record, 2019 sequel Music To Draw To: Io, Kid Koala takes on ambience and post rock, turning out his most patient work yet and finding rich soul in electronic-based music. A mix of instrumental tracks both explorative and introverted and lush vocal collaborations with Trixie Whitley, the album is deep and fulfilling over the course of an hour-plus, music that breathes and moves like a ship at sea under a midnight moon. (Kevin McStravick)