We previously featured KB-S when he took us on a surrealist and transcendental trip into the realms of peace with The Rain Spoke in Paper Sky, and then again when he manifested a high emotional quotient with the dynamic and philosophically astute, The Heart’s Knot, so when we heard that the visionary composer was back with Altered States, a 7-track album, we couldn’t wait to listen and share our experience.
Before launching into the record, we note that each track’s meaning is similar, almost a synonym, which is interesting conceptually – the artwork also has a spectrum, boasting seven colours. This attention to detail and cohesiveness is what we love to platform at KIMU.
First up is a piece called Mesmerized, which opens with a cerebral frequency and a reverse glitch effect, leading into a sublime piano performance with intricate details and a textured beat. It expands with cosmic vocal ad libs and meditative drama and allure. The piece shifts into a synthscape as the piano pulls out, creating a surrealist middle eight. The return of the piano enthrals us once more for a cosmic and dimensional finale with a subtle and brooding breakdown.
Next up is Hypnotized, which boasts a trippy and almost psychedelic jazz vibe. We appreciate the create ebbs and flows and the astral guitar riffs which have an Eastern adjacency. The drum work is unique and leads us to an almost anthemic and dramatic moment, like a scene from a Disney movie. The return to form and subsequent conclusion are welcome. KB-S tells us, “Hypnotized leans into crisp, punchy percussion with a glossy electronic sheen – its dramatic glitched brass bridge pushes the track into theatrical territory, but it still bounces with pop energy.”
This leads us to Zoned, which opens with an atmospheric bass line, intricate sound design nuances and once again continues the cosmic notion of the overarching album – a cohesive and intricate tapestry of sound. This track has a darker wave and somewhat trippier feel, building with intrigue, almost like the score of a 90s video game.
Captivated feels almost romantic, and again is created using highly unique sounds – juxtaposed with a more organic energy. The subversive bassline is pretty epic, moody and whimsical at the same time as astral harp sounds bring to life the Eastern elements once more.
Smitten feels like a harp underwater – the opening bars are genius with a little bit of a vinyl texture. It feels like the opening moments of a magic mushroom trip. We could imagine this piece as a moment in an Avatar movie. KB-S confesses, “Smitten is the gentlest offering. A delicate harp motif floats through the entire song, creating a soft, dreamy atmosphere that feels weightless. Together, they represent two poles of emotional intoxication: the dizzying high and the quiet warmth that comes after.” The strings arrangement and the drums are incredible – intertwining, showcasing the masterful energy that KB-S has to offer as a composer.
This brings us to Spellbound which opens with a moody bassline and glistening piano. It expands with rhythmic and textured drums to take us on a magical journey – in line with the title of the track. The strings are high octane, cerebral and add drama to the piece. Again, it could serve as an epic movie score – which we hope that KB-S manifests soon, as his work is genius and unique.
Finally, Enraptured comes through as the conclusion for the album – almost tying together all of the elements that we have experienced thus far on the record. There is a calm energy that comes to life. It is brighter, and more optimistic – like the end of the rainbow symbolically.
Commenting on the entirety of Altered States, KB-S says, “This release was born out of emotional intensity – a time when I was deeply wrapped up in someone who felt larger than life. The music reflects the euphoria, adoration, and skewed perception that comes with falling hard. It’s not a breakup album. It’s not even a love album. It’s about the altered state of being so consumed by feeling that reality starts to blur. Every track captures a version of that emotional high, from infatuation to hypnosis to complete surrender.”
We deeply connect with the instrumental mastery that KB-S demonstrates and the intricacy and sonic identity that he has manifested with this record. It is not only top tier production work, but holds a high emotional quotient with a cinematic adjacency that has the potential to map out a great future for the composer. We have added Smitten to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TRIPPY playlist!