Montrealer Kevin Celestin, aka Kaytranada, continues to hold sway over the entire planet. Once again, he announces himself on the eve of summer, as he did last year in the context of the Kaytraminé project with rapper Aminé, much to the delight of fans, especially those who came to cheer him on at Piknic Electronik. On this June 7, he’s back in force with 17 generous tracks, plus 4 additional tracks for those who want to take the stirring experience a step further. Kaytranada’s ability to create a virtual orchestra by including samples (or sound recordings of “real musicians”) is once again apparent, including choirs, reeds, brass, strings, synthetic keyboards, rumbling bass and percussion. The impression of grand deployment is crisp, clear and precise, and that’s Kaytranada’s strength. Of course, this is pop culture, and the Quebec artist has established his style over the years, but the formula remains the same: instrumental soul/R&B with an electronic edge à la Brainfeeder, or even jazzy at times, with the featuring of established artists such as Anderson.Paak, Childish Gambino, Thundercat, Rochelle Jordan and a host of up-and-coming artists, including brother Lou Phelph (Louis-Philippe Célestin), Charlotte Day Wilson, Duran Bernarr, Ravyn Lenae, Channel Tres, Dawn Richard, Tinashe, Pink Pantheress and Mariah the Scientist. The perfect comfort food for the warmer months.
