Knowsum Lush Space Daze

By releasing „Lush Space Daze“, Nelson Brandt aka Knowsum puts out his third solo album and accomplishes the transformation from Hip Hop beat maker to song writer and performer. Knowsum’s previous releases include a myriad of beat-EPs, various rap releases – especially under the name „Nepumuk“ and as 50% of the duo Luk&Fil – as well as the two solo LPs „Hyasynthus“ (Vol. 7 of the legendary beat series „Hi-Hat Club“ via Melting Pot Music, 2015) and „Play God & Shit Happens“ (via Money $ex Records, 2016). Regarding sound and groove, the discography of KNO is too unique and has too much confidence in style to ever becoming tired of listening to it. Now, „Lush Space Daze“ is the logical advancement within the sound universe of the musician from Offenbach (Germany) and probably his most complete album being released on his homebound label Sichtexot. „Did you know that your brain can play some silly games with yourself?“ (‚Jump‘) Guitar riffs, having been delicately effectuated to death, merge with synthesizer pads in 80’s style neon, and are, at the same time, overshadowed by a frontman, who probably would have risen to an all time legend during the golden age of the Krautrock underground. Despite the mix of almost a dozen of different styles, the album could not sound more homogeneous. Because Knowsum creates a bizarre sound image by the self-taught use of guitar, bass, synthesizer and drum computer blending in with his vocals. The special mood and the vocals function perfectly on a funky beat with a concise bass line (‚Late Night Things‘) as well as on a fragile e-piano soundscape (‚Plastic Dreams’, ‚Blue‘) or an acoustic guitar (‚Dispair‘, ‚Daydream‘). In spite of the often very experimental structures of the songs, with sometimes catchy, but in many cases weird melodies and the countless details, all of them stay harmonious and memorable. „Close your eyes and tell me what you see, is it us or is it just you and me?“ (‚Sweet Disguise‘) And for those, who by all means need to pinpoint a genre, may finally decide for themselves, if progressive-pop-nightmares in neon pink, experimental singer-songwriter-funk or yet the post-wave-neo-R’n’B-influences prevail... Love and champagne for the dance floor of those remaining.