This column highlights favorite genres, scenes and artists with the intent to make it quick and easy to get into them or decide if theyâre âfor youâ. Iâll focus on obscure and/or prolific projects.
The huge (as I would argue, overblown) taboo surrounding the âchillwaveâ sound left many talented groups like this forgotten. Iâm thinking another reason for Keep Shelly was their silly name, and how their vocals and lyrics get cheesy. Still, I wound up endeared by this factor more than annoyed. This is shimmery water-fairy music at heart, and as long as you arenât pulling an all-out âbananis and avocadosâ with your voice, I won’t complain. These âfairiesâ have soothing voices and fabulous scenery is everywhere, so I canât help but enjoy the ride. Beyond that, they’re one of the most ambitious groups Iâve heard in this decadeâs synth-dream pop genre/scene/thing.
Here’s the thing: KSIA never were your average ‘chillwavers’. Unlike this scene’s generic corners, Keep Shelly arenât ones to rehash old ideas. It doesnât boil down to some woozy synths and pale guitar tones from a nerd writing gushy love songs about his GF. Like Royksopp, they stay adventurous at the same time as having a âchill-outâ appeal. They vary a lot from the structures and influences you come to expect from this music. Not every experiment works, but I appreciate their ambition. Their one constant member RÎ ĐŻ decorates and transforms the songs as much as he wants (on lesser songs, maybe too much!). If this is chillwave, itâs a bold and shiny update. He has a great taste for expanding on chillwaveâs water fixation, so give these songs a good listen if you fawn over aquatic sounds like I do!
1. âCremona Memoriesâ – In Love With Dusk, 2010
One running trope I love about KSIA is their taste for spontaneous ‘weirder’ or kitschy touches. This song has a throbbing sci-fi synth one moment (1:21), and a Tina Turner sample or vinyl scratch the next. Results will depend on how wild they are, but I love the way it expands songs like this. RÎ ĐŻ relies on a fairly simple groove here but throws everything he has over it to keep you engaged. KSIA don’t get too serious, and make things fun when they see fit.
2. âDIYâ – Our Own Dream EP, 2011
Film scores aside, this has one of the most epic piano lines I know. A few chords and that’s it, but they play in such enormous and stomping fashion that it doesn’t matter. And those horns! Another great âwhat ifâ move from KSIA.
3. âFlywayâ – At Home, 2013
Relies on this one fluttery synth, but adds all these subtle riffs to bounce off of it and a weird yet awesome vocoder cameo. Another one where you have to ride the adrenaline rush. The best kind of repetition: purposeful, not too much, addictive, doesnât take forever to evolve.
4. âFractalsâ – Now Iâm Ready, 2015
I donât know, I have a soft spot for well-done wishy washy bittersweet pop songs. That is, if the right people make them, and of course Keep Shelly qualify. Really pleasant melodies, and the hopeful spirit is sweet. I love the way the chorus busts in with that Robin Guthrie guitar (guth-tar?) from the gentler verses. That little chiptune-y solo toward the end makes it even more satisfying.
5. âHollow Manâ – Now Iâm Ready, 2015
This is where their ambition shines. The layers, the intensity, the oceanic textures, the twists, the synth soloing, it’s all there. You have break beats, gorgeous synths, windy vocal effects, huge build VS sad, hushed cooldown; vibraphone [!!!] fade-out… An exciting mixture in the end. Thumps like a thunder storm; when itâs music, thatâs a good thing.
Moons And Melodies 