- Apparently inspired by tides and the turbulent sea, Sea Levels, the debut album from Australian artist Kloke, soundtracks an oceanic apocalypse. Water has been a consistent source of inspiration for electronic artists (think Drexciya), and it's an equally strong subject for Kloke, who turns in a substantial six-track EP.
Sea Levels opens with its unquestionable highlight, "Deep City," which mirrors the comforting but vast feeling of floating on waves. Careful Chicago touches—a leisurely shuffle, a distant Rhodes—add some rhythm to the serenity, and the track's array of drizzling rain synths and industrial buzzes evoke the sights and sounds of sailing a cruiser. "Room With A View" offers an even more peaceful take on this, imitating the gentle ripples of water while hoovers whistle like seagulls in the sky. The rest of the EP takes things to a darker place, making good on that apocalyptic promise.
"Mayfield" is muffled and hypnagogic, while "Ritual" is the opposite, submerging a dusty break and letting it slowly emerge along with mournful synths and big blasts. The EP ends with its two most ominous tracks: "Flood" closes in with its pounding, anxious percussion—the most propulsive thing here—and then "Unlearning" finishes things how they started: bobbing on the rolling waves. This time it's tense and uncertain, a far cry from the welcoming embrace of "Deep City." Every track is packed with lush synths, making it a pleasure to listen to even without the dramatic concept.
Tracklist01. Deep City
02. Mayfield
03. Ritual
04. Room With A View
05. Flood
06. Unlearning