Kerala Dust’s decision to ditch
London and move to Berlin has had an obvious effect on their work. One review I
read called Violet Drive a ‘deeply
European album’, which I’m fairly sure was intended as an insult, but – while a
correct assessment – in this case is certainly a compliment. Lo-fi dance-indie
remains Kerala Dust’s essential formula, but Violet Drive has a darker hue than previous releases, and
splashes of krautrock and euro pop have been added to the blend. There is a
good deal of variation to this record but it’s also cohesive and focused. Standout
tracks include the insistent, hypnotic beats of ‘Pulse VI’, which will drill
its way into any head. The Portishead-esque
trip hop of ‘Future Visions’ is another joy: you can almost hear the
smoky haze surrounding the band. My favourite track of all here is the mixture
of delicate bluesy guitars and brass bombast on ‘Red Light’. That one is just yum. Edmund
Kelly’s hushed, dusky drawl is the glue that holds it all together, but it is
arguably Harvey Grant on keys who is Kerala Dust’s MVP. His simple but
consistently interesting work on the (electronic) ivories is what elevates Violet
Drive into something
special, adding texture and depth to the crafted hooks. Violet
Drive is the sound of
three Englishmen wanting you to have the time of your life in a dirty
Berlin basement. No strings attached.