Review: Monokle – Rings

Monokle
Rings

Ki Records
Street: 07.10
Monokle = Odesza + Coldplay + Rampue

With downtempo synth pop and deep house beats, Monokle creates a relaxing album that is both beautiful and well put-together. Sounds range from uptempo and pop-influenced—such is the case on tracks like “Umbriel” and “Rouse”—to ethereal house beats backed by R&B vocals in songs like “Blew,” which features artist Gala Ga. Meanwhile, “Neon Sign,” a lo-fi experimental house track, shows that Monokle can produce a wide array of sounds without compromising the aesthetic of the album. Fans of artists like FKA twigs, Grimes or Azealia Banks will enjoy Rings and all it has to offer, as it satiates more than one taste. –Julia Sachs