Kimo Shabi can create a world, a haven of sorts, with his music. There is a resounding meaning of the theme and the story in his work. As a singer, multi-instrumentalist and producer, there is always something exciting and tantalizing from this musician’s work. An example of seeing it from a fresh, complex perspective that tells a story with new morals. We explore many movements with this album, Art as Necessity. 

This is a genius theme to explore in itself. The music, is as exploratory as the art form was to its time. Kimo Shabi has his own view on what would generate a type of music, something that wouldn’t usually be heard. For example, his opening track, Vincent van Gogh is nothing like Don McLean’s appearance of the same. As an indie musician, Kimo merges electronic elements with vocals that aren’t of the time, but speak of it. 

The horror and suspense of Edvard Munch’s world is opened with the second track. The booming, resounding bass and strings create the necessary, mystery bound auras. There is a merging of sounds that creates a dichotomy of confusion and comprehension. Using ambient textures is another highlight from Kimo Shabi, where a grinding halt of the train on the tracks opens the next song. Filippo Tommaso Marinetti is next, and the absurdity is heard. In some way or the other, there is a depiction unlike any other for his art. The futurism is heard as much as it is felt. 

Art talking to art

You almost yearn to understand the meaning behind Marcel Duchamps work. In no way traditional, he was stretching the conversation on art itself. The harrowing bassline is the question behind it, some elements from his art creating sounds as well. This is where Kimo Shabi uses his knowledge to understand these movements.

With Pablo Picasso, there is a refreshing change in the acoustic sound that comes around. The percussion is unique as well, the cubism felt in the thumping notes. In that way, you’re in for the surrealism of Salvador Dali’s work. They take you places, the chords themselves transporting you. It is an acoustic delight, a folkish touch to the whole thing. Vasilij Kandinskij colour palette is explored with this sci-fi like sound. The bassline guides the listener, while superb audio production inspires. There is a percussive heartbeat to his art, which is replicated in some form, with the music. 

Kimo Shabi chooses to close with the elusive and highly debated work of Jackson Pollock. To some it is art, to some rubbish. I think there is a joy in ending in that question, something that has been discussed and questioned for so long. The drips and splatters are perceived layer after layer, just like viewing one of his art pieces. 

From At Eternity’s Gate for van Gogh, Pollock for the closing track, Edvard Munch for the biography movie-these instrumentals would be perfect. Often using songs designed otherwise, the understanding of the art is felt with this artist’s work. It is a genius attempt and executed with precision as much as perfection. Listen to his 2018 album Music with Elements as well, to change into a new world. There is a lot to explore, and he brings the world to your ears.