K-X-P – III, Pt. 1

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Finnish innovators K-X-P have long identified as being an “anti-band” and as they move onto their third album, III, they continue to be so by defying both convention and expectation. For K-X-P every new record is another layer of skin shed; new territories are broached, areas explored and fresh influences imbued. The critically acclaimed pop-tinged electronic whirlwind that was their last release, II, has given way to something stripped and primed, leaving a dense yet sparse record of cinematic ambient techno fused with churning, progressive space rock.

This follows hot on the heels of the group’s proto techno banger, 2014’s The History of Techno EP. The core unit of K-X-P has now long comprised of the trio: Timo Kaukolampi (electronics, vocals and the ‘K’), Tuomo Puranen (bass, keyboards and the ‘P’), and alternating drummers (the ‘X’ – for the mystery) Tomi Leppänen and, in the studio and on rare occasions live, Anssi Nykänen. However, true to the group’s musical explorations and sense of improvised experimentation, the membership too has become more fluid and expanding, “We are not a traditional band in that sense, there is like ten rotating members in the studio and live” says Kaukolampi. While the group are fervent experimenters in the studio it is on stage where the band feel truly electrified and have built their reputation, compelling audiences and gaining followers around the world; the on-stage atmosphere acted as a catalyst for III, “There has been a huge quest to capture the raw live energy in a studio environment.”

Kaukolampi says. Leppänen takes a more abstract view on the increasing influence of the live aspect on their recorded output “While touring, we were introduced to a Georgian naturally carbonated mineral water called Borjomi. It’s a water like no other, very strong, very effective. Sometimes our music on albums can be very still and gentle, Evian-like. It’s ok, as Evian is widely consumed and easily available. It’s not easy to catch the the Borjomi fuelled live energy on tape, but little by little we’ll learn the secret.”