The latest work from this San Francisco outfit builds low-key trip-hop into something approaching soul. If it seems an unlikely mix--icy electronica parlayed into warm R&B--these tracks speak to its sonic logic: both genres have a taste for lush, silky soundscapes.
It is a simple objective really; create music to reflect the emotion of a specific time and space in the modern world. After a year-long hiatus working in the studio, San Francisco artists Karmacoda return with their highly-anticipated third album, Illuminate. The album features 12 fresh tracks and represents a major move forward for the group, containing songs with strong hooks, melodies and an engaging evolution of their groove-laden electronic sound. Launched as a collective effort between songwriters, Brett "B." Crockett and Heather Pierce in 2001, Karmacoda laces their electronica/trip hop foundation with elements of rock, pop and jazz, creating truly addictive sonic recreation. Outfitting themselves with the turntable magic of DJ Rafael Acevedo, Eric Matsuno's hypnotic bass, B. on vocals, guitar and keyboards and the soaring lead vocals of Heather, Karmacoda's vibe is immediately engaging, particularly live. Illuminate, which was mastered by Andy VanDette (U2, David Bowie, Moby, Garbage, Smashing Pumpkins) at Masterdisk, NYC is currently being presented to the music industry for radio, label and licensing opportunities.