Having already crafted an album that basically perfected their take on vintage psychedelia via France and Turkey with
Mantra Moderne, the duo behind
Kit Sebastian set out to cast their net a little wider sonically. The band's chief architect Kit Martin delves into a wider range of instruments on
Melodi in pursuit of a richer, more diverse setting. Adding zithers, congas, harpsichords, balalaika, and more to the mix on top of synthesizers, horn sections, and orchestras, the album is even more highly arranged than their debut. Every inch of space is used to create a well-burnished web of sound that vocalist
Merve Erdem soars over like a daring aerialist. Martin's musical tricks and treats are impressive, but without the zing of
Erdem's voice, it would be a hollow victory. She adds just the right amount of heart to the breezy tracks like "Yeter," that slink past like a vixen in a '60s spy film, delves deep into the moodiness of songs like the psychedelic soul-inspired "Agitate," and swings lightly on slow-strutting jazz tracks like "Elegy for Love." There is a larger quotient of jazz in the mix this time around, with loads of standup bass, tinkling piano, and late-night vibes front and center. It adds another layer of mystery to the overflowing tapestry of sound Martin already had in place and it gives the album staying power. Despite the lush sounds and soft edges, there is enough going on that repeated listens are rewarded by new delights each time. Not that the first listen won't be a knockout -- thanks to the stunning arrangements and
Erdem's pitch-perfect vocals, the first spin is pretty darn exciting. Rather than repeat themselves, the duo have taken a step into the unknown on
Melodi and returned with a triumph of sound and substance. ~ Tim Sendra