Kontakte is a UK outfit consisting of Ian Griffiths, Gary McDermott, Stuart Low and Ben Worth. Conceived in 2005 from a string of old 4-track demos and further realized via a labyrinth of digital workstations and computer software, Kontakte emerged in early 2006.
The concept was to blend organic instrumentation within an electronic and hypnotic framework of programmed beats and pulsing synths. This is not your typical shoegaze/dream pop. The band cites influences such as the ambient sounds of Brian Eno, mid-late 70’s German electronica and the early 90’s shoegaze scene. Kontakte creates music that is a mesmerizing blend of these sounds, and the result is truly unique.
The name “Kontakte” was taken from Stockhausen’s seminal 1958 electronic-acoustic arrangement Kontakte fur elektronische Klang, Klavier und Schlagzeug. This was essentially the first recording to contain both electronic and acoustic sounds simultaneously, something quite extraordinary and revolutionary at that time. Ian Griffiths of Kontakte has said, “The name seemed to instantly resonate with what sits at the heart of our sound; processed electronic beats and synths, juxtaposed with ‘classical’ and ‘organic’ instruments.” A fitting and cerebral moniker, indeed.
To date, the band has released two full length LPs – Soundtracks to Lost Road Movies (2008) and We Move Through Negative Spaces (2011) – both on the record label DriftingFalling. Soundtracks is a truly gorgeous and accomplished LP, but We Move Through Negative Spaces is an absolute triumph for Kontakte – both bleak and beautiful.
Kontakte has also released two excellent EPs – the very powerful Superbug EP, along with a remix EP entitled Snowflake Remixes (this can be downloaded for free on bandcamp). The track “Superbug” is one of Kontakte’s most raw and dynamic moments – the sheer intensity of the song has prompted many listeners to affectionately refer to it as able to melt one’s face off.
Kontakte is masterful when it comes to creating haunting atmospheric soundscapes, and it’s this very element that tugs at the heart strings of shoegaze fans. Their sound is eclectic – sometimes stark, sometimes lush, sometimes melancholy, sometimes unsettling – but always amazing, and always carrying with it a gorgeous shoegaze undercurrent that brands their songs as truly unique. Kontakte will no doubt continue to deliver on their initial promise to create their own brand of “hypnotic, textural, cinematic noise.” Whatever this band does next, it’s going to be worthy of much attention.
- http://www.kontakte.bandcamp.com
- http://www.kontaktemusik.blogspot.com
- http://www.facebook.com/pages/kontakte/10237621989
- http://www.last.fm/music/Kontakte
