In case you don’t know, let’s go through it all again. Kitsuné is a collective comprising of Gildas (a dj and Daft Punk’s sidekick since way back), Masaya (a Japanese architect also a dj) and Abäke (an international team of gifted graphic designers). Kitsuné is based in Paris (where they have just opened their own shop), even though Abäke are in London. Together they make clothes, collaborate with fashion designers and prestigious companies, organise parties all over the world and also happen to put out great compilations. These always work around an imposed theme and have for main mission to expose new fresh talent. First edition ‘Kitsuné Love’ was about food and was kinda housey (Alan Braxe, Dj Gregory, Playgroup). The second, ‘Kitsuné Midnight’, was about the middle of the night and was essentially electro (Blackstrobe, Freeform Five). Now as far as the music’s concerned ‘X’, which is about the sexual chromosome X, is shooting in all directions and this is precisely what makes this laboratory of promising artists so exciting. With twelve (mostly) unreleased tracks, ‘X’ covers so many of today’s forward-thinking bases. There’s the poppy rock of Chinkinki (produced by Tiefschwarz) and the NY electro of Fannypack, the dislocated candy-funk of Manhead (aka Headman) and the lo-fi groove of Hoxton’s Hot Chip. Not to mention Captain Comatose Vs Stereo Total, Volga Select, The Mogs, Simian Mobile Disco, Joakim… Yes these guys have probably some of the best connections in the world but it’s not like they’re showing off or ramming it down your throat. ‘X’ is just a playful, unpretentious, eclectic album that’ll win you over after only a few listens. Arty-pop was never so much fun.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Jerry Bouthier
