Berlin-based artist Kat Koan builds an artful pop mystique within compelling, cinematic-fit soundscapes on her new EP, The Night Circus. Inspired by Koan’s favorite book, of the same name, the EP is described aptly as “a sound track to a movie that doesn’t exist.” The result is a thorough success from Koan and producer Cameron James Laing.
Opening track “Recipe for Disaster” is exemplary of Koan’s memorable songwriting, particularly in regard to its stylish structural ascents. Chilly keys, a bass-touched mystique, and twangy guitars craft an understated, cinematic allure initially — rising seamlessly in the “heart beats faster … recipe for disaster,” expanse, where gripping brass additions complement Koan’s captivating vocal performance. The ensuing “Cocoon” thematically struts a sense of unseen connection; its the lyrics drift through a haunting Parisian haze, where stomping brass, twinkling keys, and aching strings waltz like lingering specters.
Another highlight comes via the track “Dream Girl,” a ghostly success that moves from solemn organ-laden into a title-touting proclamation that sends chills its jangling guitar adornments and spine-tingling backing vocal reflections. The Night Circus is an enveloping success from Kat Koan, whose soundscapes leave lasting impressions with their dream-like states and gradual infusions of brass and strings.
—
“Recipe For Disaster” and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Emerging Singles’ Spotify playlist.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.