This EP came out in December, but it feels oddly appropriate to be writing about it the weekend of Valentine’s Day.
Who says a corny holiday needs to be corny? This EP provides a slick, familiar soundtrack appropriate for having fun with someone you love, your friends, or even some self-care.
KO1 is the alter ego of Sasha Righini, also known for his role as a member of The Plastics, and a frequent collaborator and champion of the South Africa indie scene.
The South African psych-pop artist draws from a myriad of influences that remind me of diving into the altpop world for the first time in the early days of this blog. Tame Impala, Bear Hands, Foster the People, and even hints of Toro Y Moi can be heard at times in this EP. The title track in particular brings to mind “Bear Hands” vibes, with his nasal, talk-y, twist on vocals that are compelling to listen to. Seriously, put “Soul Love” and Bear Hands’ “Giants” back to back on a playlist and the results will be satisfying—and not in a derivative way. “You and I” works that way, too.
There are other, less radio friendly, more “odd” moments on the album. “Moonlight” takes me back to the days of Django Django ruling the airwaves in Ohio, and the bizarre packed show I saw of them at the Newport. Appropriate for sunny days and dark, vibey, smoky evenings in a sketchy venue.
I know I tend to make Tuned Up more of a cheerleader type blog, but I do not say this lightly when I say that KO1 is the most radio ready artist for alternative media that I’ve heard in a while. It reminds me very specifically of the 2011-2013 era of my listening—the similarity in feeling is uncanny and not forced.
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