Spins: Album reviews
Koop – Koop Islands
Artist: Koop
Title: Koop Islands
Label: Atlantic/Ada
Genre: Nu-jazz/Electronica
KOOP is the Swedish duo of Magnus Zingmark and Oscar Simonsson and they happen to be one of the coolest artists you have never heard of. A seamless blending of modern jazz, electronica, and the big band sound of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, KOOP offers a unique hybrid of sound that is perfect for both intimate moments alone or big booming concerts. Their third album, the irresistible
Koop Islands, perfectly captures the swing era yet manages to sound fresh and modern. The sound is cemented by pitch perfect vocal performances from a number of guests including Hilde Louise Asbjornsen, Yukimi Nagano, Mikael Sundin, Rib Gallagher, and Ane Burn.
Koop Islands is an album that exists as pure music, unaffected by time and trends. It sounds as classic as it does new and groundbreaking. It is a perfect album of retro grooves with standouts like the swinging “Forces…Darling”, the delicate percussion of “Let’s Elope”, the gorgeous “Whenever There Is You”, and the spoken word musings of “Beyond the Sun.” The album works because of its relative simplicity and commitment to its retro sound. It doesn’t come off as a stunt or gimmick but rather an organic musical movement. The lush, orchestral, and mesmerizing sounds of KOOP are sure to excite those looking for a dose of vintage style.
- Norman Mayers
www.k-o-o-p.com
www.myspace.com/koop
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