One Mind but Many Voices – The Collaborative Wonder of Kadosh’s ‘Unanimously’
After teasing the world with the tantalizing release of lead singles ‘Sandcastles’ and ‘My Mind’, Tel-Aviv-based producer Kadosh has followed through with a debut collaborative album full to the brim with exciting and eclectic sounds. ‘Unanimously’ was released on Stil vor Talent at the end of August 2022 and it continues to be one of the most talked about productions of the summer as Kadosh effortlessly combines the melodic sounds of house, EBM and techno into one seamless creation.
Kadosh is no stranger to global acclamation, having previously released dizzying productions on highly respected labels such as Frau Blau, Innervisions and Watergate Records that have then gone on to be played by renowned DJs like Dixon and Âme. ‘Unanimously’ is a prime example of Kadosh’s wizardry as we bear witness to his unique talent that has been born out of a deep passion and unbridled dedication to the craft.
‘Unanimously’ opens with the atmospheric ‘Interstellar’ featuring the versatile DJ and producer, Marc Piñol. The listener is immediately greeted by a pulsating bass line that is soon joined by the steady beat of high hats. The soundscape is occasionally punctuated by sustained piano chords and ethereal synths as the musical duo curate an aural realm filled with anticipation. They delicately add layer by layer before the main melody is introduced just before the 3-minute mark, accompanied by a firm and confident beat. ‘Interstellar’ is an other-worldly production as the duo weave together extra-terrestrial, electronic sounds, taking the listener away from the dancefloor and situating them amongst the stars.
Next on the album is ‘Sandcastles’, a track that already created shockwaves when it was released earlier this summer. Featuring the silky-smooth vocals of Abrão alongside the mastery of electronic mastermind Johannes Albert, ‘Sandcastles’ revels in 80s synth-pop accents and pumped-up Italo basswaves. The arpeggiated melodies flit in between Abrão’s sensual timbre whilst a frantic accompaniment of a repeated note assists the percussion in keeping the track moving forward, taking the listener on a wistful journey. ‘Sandcastles’ plays with the idea of fantasy as the trio uses the textures of the soundscape to build a world around the listener, full of wonder and beauty. However, whilst they may have formed a castle it is only made of sand, thus the track is tinged with sadness as both listeners and creators alike are painfully aware of temporality and inevitable destruction.
The third track sees Kadosh collaborating with Berlin icon and expert producer, Marco Resmann. Together, the two formed the hauntingly enigmatic ‘From Jaffa to Frederichshain’, merging their separate geographical identities into one via the medium of sound. Opening with a hypnotic tribal drumbeat, the track transports the listener simultaneously to Israel and to Germany as the two producers effortlessly combine elements from each place to create a sensational production with a powerful melody complimented by muted drums and eerie vocals reverbing around the soundscape as it swells with suspense. In a surprising turn, Resmann and Kadosh abruptly strip the track back, introducing a cowbell percussion that carries the vocals and drumbeat out in a captivating and meditative manner.
It’s successor, ‘1999’, is a more upbeat production made in collaboration with David Mayer, a producer known for his interest in experimenting with diverse forms of music and out-of-the-box thinking. Harking back to the sounds of the 80s, the soundscape of ‘1999’ is dominated by shimmery Casio synths and punchy percussion as the melodic refrain playfully sings to us. It is a delight to listen to, with staccato accompaniments flitting in and out of the various textures, contributing to a track that doesn’t take itself too seriously. ‘1999’ is a wonderful example of how two different producers with varying styles can come together to create a piece of music that doesn’t betray either’s signature styles.
‘Volantage’, featuring electronic music veteran, Murat Uncuoglu, offers the listener with a taste of something different. Dominated by a powerful keyboard refrain, ‘Volantage’ is a hypnotically brooding production, luring the listener in with its captivating kicks and claps. Its exquisite simplicity is testimony to the talent of both Kadosh and Uncuoglu, who let the audience know that sophistication can be achieved even when the score has been stripped back.
We are then greeted by the strong percussions of ‘Pronto’ as the listener is plunged immediately into the soundscape. Whilst ‘Pronto’ may take its time to evolve, it still manages to hold the listener suspended in a moment of anticipation and excitement. An eerie atmosphere is conjured through the echoing sustained notes, singing through the mist like a choir, until we’re finally treated to the melancholic melody. Featuring award winning producer, Emanuel Satie, ‘Pronto’ is a prime of example of how Kadosh has managed to develop the sounds of the dancefloor and craft his own mesmerizing narratives that are told through ethereal noises and tribalistic beats.
The following track, ‘My Mind’, was the second single to precede the release of the full album and, similarly to ‘Sandcastles’, firmly set the tone of the sheer energy and talent that ‘Unanimously’ was destined to bring. ‘My Mind’ also brought about one of the most exciting collaborations of the album as Kadosh joined forces with Afrofuturist producer Floyd Lavine as well as fellow Israeli, Erika Krall. Together, the three of them were able to create a single entity that managed to combine the hypnotic, rhythmic beats of tribal house with the enchanting folk-inspired power of Erika Krall’s spellbinding vocals. ‘My Mind’ is gently relentless with an irresistible piano refrain complimented by the uncompromising percussion whilst Krall’s vocals are pure luxury to the ears as they indulgently slide in and out of the polyrhythmic patterns. It is a gorgeously curated production with equal worth as a hip-swaying, dancefloor favourite as well as an intimate and reflective listening experience.
Just when you think ‘Unanimously’ couldn’t get any better, Kadosh, alongside melodic house and techno visionary Rodriguez Jr., gifts us with ‘Moran’, a sensually wonderous production that ebbs and flows. The listener is initially teased with a curiously simple melody and shaker percussion, occasionally punctuated by an other-worldly noise before a synth chordal progression is introduced lightly in the background. Soon, a melody softly chimes in, evoking memories of a forgotten music box or distant fairy-tale. A deep bass rumbles in the distance as the musical duo gently craft an enthralling soundscape before we meet the full force of its. The synths grow stronger, more convinced, as the listener becomes trapped by the magic, held by the swirling sounds.
The penultimate track, ‘Far Too Close’, is yet another aural masterpiece, once again bringing a fresh vibe to an album that successfully avoids any repetition. The backbone of this track takes the form of an unyielding piano chordal refrain, encouraged by snappy high hats and a broken beat that keeps the music moving forward. Produced in collaboration with the eclectic Locked Groove, ‘Far Too Close’ is a toe-tapping track that develops through texture, ensuring that the loopy piano house doesn’t get tired. It is lively and upbeat, yet the combination of major and minor key creates a conflict between emotions as the listener swings from optimism to melancholy, making us ponder the question ‘what are we too close to?’
‘Unanimously’ comes to a close with the absolute powerhouse of a track that is ‘Think It Over.’ It is a triumphant finisher that playfully incorporates pop-inspired vocals with a shimmering synth chord progression, consequently birthing an electro anthem with a ferocious energy. Whilst ‘Think It Over’ is very much a Kadosh production, the influence of the English hip hop and electronic dance group and featured artist, Stereo MC’s, can very much be heard throughout as the track plays homage to the group’s 1980’s origins. The urgently pulsating bassline encourages us to get up and dance, to listen to our bodies and instinctually move ourselves to the infectious rhythm whilst the lyrics bring us back to our minds and encourage us to think, to reflect. It is the perfect closer for such an epic album, invigorating us one final time as our listening experience comes to an end.
It is incredible to listen to a collaborative album that boasts of such an array of accomplished producers, each with their varying and unique styles, without losing the overarching stamp of Kadosh. Indeed, whilst his musical voice could have been easily lost amongst the talent that he had invited to join him, it instead permeates the entire album. Every track boasts of Kadosh’s sheer brilliance as he never lets himself be overwhelmed – each production is firmly his.
The contributions from the other artists add to the richness and complexity of ‘Unanimously’, bringing something new and different to each track so that none of them are at risk of sounding the same. Kadosh skilfully adapts to each producers’ offerings, emphasising how each partnership was perfect for him as well as the project. ‘Unanimously’ lives up to its name, as all people involved come together in agreement to create something with one mind, yet many voices.
review by lucie walker
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