Kayo Dot - Plastic House on Base of Sky
2016
Progressive Electronic
The Flenser
Toby Driver’s enigmatic and progressive chamber music group Kayo Dot has undergone several tectonic shifts over the course of its life. Developed from the ashes of seminal experimental metal group Maudlin of the Well, Kayo Dot has explored everything from brutal black metal to 80’s horror synth, contemporary jazz and progressive rock, often anchored by Driver’s clear, elastic tenor. Plastic House on Base of Sky is a somewhat natural progression from their 2014 album Coffins on Io, which saw Driver and company adapt the sonic stylings of Tangerine Dream and John Carpenter. Plastic House keeps to a similar sonic palette — crushing progressive metal has been pushed aside for layers of spooky synth pads — combined with a more experimental approach to the song arrangements themselves. Despite all the darkness and dissonance on display, the music is still extremely listenable and engaging, and recommended for all fans of progressive electronic music.
