KNOWSUM INNOVATES GENRE WITH FULL-LENGTH LP ‘COSMIC BREEZE’
Some songs are screaming colors, like the tracks within Knowsum’s new record, ‘Cosmic Breeze.’ His technical prowess and thirst for creative exploration make this a record worth listening to regardless of your tastes. Knowsum has picked elements from every genre he has encountered, developing his own without trying. It’s a bit jazzy, a little bit shoe-gazy, and a little psychedelic. However, there is no dull or “dead” second throughout the whole thing.
“The Phase” introduces the record on a high note. Its Turnstile-esque synthesizer introduction incorporates whimsy and charm, instantly captivating listeners. Slow and steady, “The Phase” perfects Knowsum’s smooth aura with immaculately curated production value. These vibes are integral to the work’s whole sum, as they must coexist to make sense. Knowsum has a knack for jazzy, extraterrestrial energy. This song positions his work in the realm of Nightlife and Tyler, The Creator, who similarly blends genres to make their own.
“Saturday Night” kicks the pace of the record up a notch. There are many songs about the weekend, but none quite like “Saturday Night.” This psychedelic groove is underutilized in contemporary hits but deserves a spot next to its competitors. Cever lyricidm stands out among an otherwise understated vocal performance, The line, “crazy as a loon” is creative, multi-layered wordplay. Unique metaphors are integral to Knowsum’s signature songwriting style. It is an impressive contrast to his lightweight vocal delivery. Sometimes, to say a lot, one must only whisper.
Knowsum appears to live in his own world, in the most complimentary way. “Honey & Blood” couldn’t have been written by anybody else. The piano playing in this song is phenomenal, requiring skill and passion to articulate some phrasings rightfully. Once again, Knowsum’s lyricism shines. His utilization of contrast makes for well-rounded lyrical theming.
Knowsum is a master curator of vibes. If there were ever a “Chillest Guy Around” competition, Knowsum would instantly take the gold. The record’s middle half is full of goodies, like performances by Melissa Weikart, Magic Manfred, Zara2stra, Noamle & Grégoire Pignède, filling out the ambiance. Social commentary, jaw-dropping instrumentation, and innovative composition align each song in ‘Cosmic Breeze.’ “C’est La Vie” instantly became my favorite track. The guest performances added undeniable levels of chemistry. These bite-sized songs still feel like a full meal, touching the soul without trying too hard.
I get hundreds of monthly submissions from friends and strangers alike. ‘Cosmic Breeze’ stands out because of Knowsum’s dedication to enjoying the music. As he says, “The world is superficial.” Yet, when we let ourselves create for the sake of it, magic like ‘Cosmic Breeze’ can be made.