Beats with a Capitol K
Wednesday 12 Sep 2007 (Michael Bugeja - The Malta Independent)
It was through to the sadly now-defunct Dansezee magazine that I first heard of Capitol K. Thanks to Woody Aki’s inquisitive music sense, I not only learnt of this eclectic musician’s wide sense of rhythm, but also of his Maltese connection – he was born here of Maltese/English parentage. In the years since, he moved to London and started his musical career, Capitol K (real name Kristian Robinson) has released four studio albums, the latest of which is this year’s Nomad Junk. My first taste of his music however, was 2000’s Island Row – his second – which was released on XL Recordings. It is an intricate expedition blending beats, guitars and effects, including a bonafide Maltese festa march lurking somewhere in the mix!
In similar fashion, 2007’s Nomad Junk, clocking in at just under an hour, packs a multitude of influences gathered (as stated on the cover) during the artist’s sojourns in Malta, Taipei, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Barcelona, all carefully stitched in Capitol K’s particularly inventive style. Given the record’s title, it was perhaps to be expected that this would be another eclectic excursion mixing and matching his acquired sound bytes with his heightened sense of melody and structure. The new album does however signal a move towards more conventional composition, albeit only sporadically, enough perhaps to remind listeners and critics alike that Capitol K can do normal, although his roots remain firmly non-conformist.
Nomad Junk is best listened to in its entirety – its irregular sequence of highs and lows creating a flowing soundscape that is acoustically gratifying in every sense. Some may be tempted to highlight its cinematic tendency, and to some extent there is a soundtrack ambience to it. What elevates Nomad Junk from such simple classification however is its rhythmic energy – applied in varying doses that have garnered encouraging, even superlative reviews from some of Britain’s top music publications. Of particular note, Mojo magazine (widely regarded as a rock publication) awarded Nomad Junk an Album of the Month tag as well as a place among its Top 10 Dance Albums of the year!
Capitol K will be performing in Malta for the first time ever at Poxx Bar this Friday, 14 September, supported by Vinnie Vintage, Danjeli and Ai. Doors open at 10pm. Tickets cost Lm 4 (Lm 5 at the door) and are available from D’Amato, Poxx Bar and Buon Caffe or by calling 9945-9555. For more information,visit www.myspace .com/ capitolk.