Description
Product Description
Content Introduction Following the critically acclaimed lo-fi chillout masterpiece 'Beautiful You', the new album 'Finds You Well' from Khotin, the solo project of Edmonton-based Canadian producer Dylan Khotin-Foote, is now available from Ghostly International. The album features a sublime sound that traverses ambient and new age, with comfortable beats and retro-flavored synths blending hazyly. A chillout masterpiece that perfectly balances the bedroom and the dance floor. It's almost like a pastoral and mellow Boards of Canada!? This is the fourth album from Khotin, the solo project of Edmonton-based Canadian Dylan Khotin-Foote. Since launching this project in 2014, he has consistently updated his impressive and dreamy style, traversing various sounds, with approaches ranging from gentle, atmospheric synth sounds to hypnotic and danceable tracks. His debut album, "Hello World," released on 1080p, a reputable Canadian cassette label that also releases music by CFCF, garnered attention for its laid-back lo-fi house sound. His second album, "New Tab," which leaned more towards ambient music, was self-released in 2017 (released on vinyl by Pacific Rhythm and on CD in Japan by Scent). His nostalgic chillout sound on "Beautiful You," released in 2018, was highly praised (receiving a 4.5 rating from Resident Advisor), and the cassette sold out immediately. Subsequently, Ghostly International took notice of his talent and signed him to a contract, releasing a vinyl version in 2019, which also sold out instantly. Now, with expectations high, his fourth album, "Finds You Well," is released. It continues the blissful and melancholic songcraft of his previous work, expanding on it with humility and warmth. The 10 tracks were selected from a wealth of demos, resulting in a nearly equal mix of active and ambient pieces. The first half is beat-driven, with "Ivory Tower" inspired by late 90s downtempo, featuring sprinkler-like breakbeats interspersed with addictive melodic synth phrases. This is followed by "Heavyball," which has a slightly more driving beat, and "Groove 32," which begins with funky drums and bongo boogie, building up with a tight bassline, regular pads, shimmering melodic textures, and exquisitely placed vocal samples. In the middle section, the tone stabilizes, shifting to ambient music that harmoniously balances pastoral and melancholic sensibilities. The sound unfolds as organic textures emit sounds, seemingly dissolving into the clouds. "WEM Lagoon Jump," which was also released as a lead single, is said to be a reference to a local West Edmonton folktale about a child who jumped from a second-floor balcony of a shopping mall into the fountain of the main pavilion. It combines nostalgic synth phrases and repetitive beats reminiscent of Boards of Canada, creating a sound that evokes a slight splash of water. In "Your Favorite Building," which could be called the album's highlight, a child's soft singing of "you must love the world because it's wonderful" emerges from behind an emotional melody painted with hazy synth layers and sensitive piano phrases. From the middle to the end, the slightly modulated, muted piano is used to skillfully express the contrast between the uptempo first half and the smooth, slightly sentimental second half. While showcasing a variety of musical styles, it is constructed with an outstanding sense of balance, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that it is their best work to date. A supreme chillout sound that traverses from bedroom to dance floor. CD release is Japan only. Includes one bonus track. Liner notes: Yuji Shibasaki. Media reviews and more. Following the critically acclaimed lo-fi chillout masterpiece 'Beautiful You', the new album 'Finds You Well' from Khotin, the solo project of Edmonton-based Canadian producer Dylan Khotin-Foote, is now available from Ghostly International. The sound is sublime, traversing ambient and new age genres, with a comfortable beat and retro-flavored synths blending hazyly. A chillout masterpiece that perfectly balances the bedroom and dance floor. (C)RS
About the Artist: Khotin is the solo project of Edmonton-based Canadian producer Dylan Khotin-Foote. Initially, he performed under the name Happy Trendy, but changed his name to Khotin in 2014. Khotin gained attention with the release of his debut album, "Hello World," on 1080p, a reputable Canadian cassette label that has launched the careers of various artists, and performed at MUTEK Montreal in 2015. In 2017, he self-released "New Tab" (which was released on vinyl by Pacific Rhythm in Vancouver and on CD in Japan by Scent), and then released "Beautiful You" in 2018. It received widespread acclaim and led to a contract with Ghostly International, and the following year a vinyl release was also produced by the same label. Khotin's approach is incredibly diverse, traversing everything from gentle, atmospheric synth sounds to hypnotic and danceable pieces, developing an impressive and dreamy sound. The balance and stability of his sound are exquisite, and its comfortable listening experience is attracting attention across genre boundaries.