Jon Kennedy is a man about the world. He travels the globe leaving scorched dance floors as a DJ extraordinaire, and
just for kicks he remixes tunes of all color, shape, and size. He’s a rhythm man at heart, calling home behind a drum set. Basking behind the real thing and as a programmer of hazy electronica, he lays down serious beats wherever he drops his drum stool.
I’m not sure, but I think he might be MI-6, too.
I’ve been following Kennedy for some time now and he never fails to impress. He’s released so much music over the last 15 years or so that catching up would be a daunting task, but you should try. Here’s some starting points: Useless Wooden Toys, Strengthen The Roses, and Corporeal. Jon Kennedy is readying a new album called Ha!. In lieu of jumping into the sure to be tasty batch of beats and samples, Kennedy has dropped the Ha! EP. It’s 7 remixes of the title track, plus an EP exclusive track. It’s a nice teaser for what’s sure to be a woozy chunk of electronica.
“Ha!” on its own is a soulful number, with great vocals by Adjua. The album version is mostly just vocals with some tasteful noise going on under the proceedings. After that we’re treated to a plethora of remixes by the likes of AOTOA, Rogan, and 6blocc. Mr. Bird does a nice take on the track that gives it a Boards of Canada vibe. Something off the earlier EPs, like Twoism. Michal Menert gives the song a trip hop vibe, deconstructing the soul edge and giving it a cool, detached feel. Static Structures goes full Fruity Loops, complete with buzzes and beeps and adding in some acid jazz textures.
Not into remix albums? Well sorry for your loss. But hey, grab this thing for the album version of “Ha!” and the EP exclusive “The Lord Tarries” featuring Coreysan. It’s a blissful shot of indie techno.
Even if Jon Kennedy isn’t James Bond, I still think the Ha! EP is a nice place to get acquainted with the British musician/producer. Give it a spin, and keep your eyes open for the new LP soon.
7.3 out of 10
