Israeli producer Khen has had an amazing 2013, with some great appearances on Lowbit, Replug, 99percent, Proton, Hope, and Sudbeat (including, of course, his recently collaboration with Guy Mantzur). Protonโs latest release sees him back in action with two new tracks, โThousand Mirrorsโ and โVoices from the Pastโ.
โThousand Mirrorsโ is powered by a motoring, rolling bassline, which has become something of a calling card in Khenโs work, and it features delicate warm pads and organs which evoke a similar atmosphere as Khenโs recent collaboration with Guy Mantzur, โMoments Becoming Endless Timeโ. Itโs a really warm sounding record, and as with all of Khenโs productions the percussion is lovely and crisp. Melodically, though, it didnโt connect with me to nearly the same degree as โVoices from the Pastโ โ until the last minute, where thereโs a surprisingly delicate chiming passage as the track winds down.
Despite featuring as the B-side here, โVoicesโฆโ is easily one of the best things Khenโs done. The intro arranges smooth pads around an infectious chugging bassline before the percussion picks up. Two minutes in a sharp snare roll introduces a tighter, more focused sound to the track, with forceful stabs and additional bass squelches propelling things forward. โVoicesโฆโ builds superbly, dropping into a restrained breakdown before suddenly bursting into colorful chord changes and the trackโs glorious chiming melody. Weโre just given a taste before the track gets back to business, but you know itโs only a matter of time before Khen unleashes the sunshine again. Sure enough, after teasing the listener for a further two minutes, the climax of the track reintroduces the melody for a final hands-in-the-air moment. Big fan of this one.
Both tracks here are really nice and well-produced, though the ideas on show in โVoices From the Pastโ struck me as much stronger. Overall, a very nice release here from Proton. 8/10
