Kat Koan – ‘The Night Circus’ EP

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.

Mike Mineo

I'm the founder/editor of Obscure Sound, which was formed in 2006. Previously, I wrote for PopMatters and Stylus Magazine.

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