Producer and hardware extraordinaire Stefan Kozalla, known musically as DJ Koze, has just released an immensely soulful, unhinged body of work.

With a choice sampling from Bon Iver’s “Calgary” on “Bonfire” and features from a diverse cast that includes Róisín Murphy, Pampa Records’ own Sophia Kennedy, Speech from the 90s hip-hop outfit Arrested Development, and more, Kozalla transcends the dance music space he’s roamed for so long.

Knock Knock’s vast influences and coalescing styles are more than just a testament to his breadth as a crate digger; in fact, he’s poking fun of the repetitive nature of contemporary dance music with the lead single “Pick Up.” The mastery of his 70s influences and minimalistic Kompakt-aligned groove reigns supreme, too. Somehow, it not only works, but it sounds natural.

Knock Knock’s uncluttered. It flows like a DJ set — travelling seamlessly from one soundscape to the next.

Though his physical move towards a life of peace and quiet might suggest Koze’s departure from dance may be imminent, the music present here tells us differently of his legacy. There’s a reason why Koze is one of electronic’s biggest enigmas — but rather than questioning the motives behind such a work, we ought to just let it rest.

Tags: dj koze, electronica, Knock Knock, stream

Categories: Music