KU
Ganja

Release Date: 2017 | Tracklist

‘Ganja’ is an impressive work of contrast, precariously balanced on a teetering tightrope between two potentially jarring antitheses, with an assuredness that belies any uncertainty hinted at by its creators.

Mastermind and vocalist Dimitris Papadatos’s modest and vaguely monotone delivery is technically unimpressive, yet it provides a suitable accompaniment to the wandering understated ambience found in much of Ganja’s psych-tinged content. In addition, this unassertive approach serves to enhance many of the lyrics, as one may understandably struggle to unearth great vigour when confronted with topics such as addiction, or depression. However, Ganja certainly cannot be described as bleak, the instrumentation is sometimes lush, vibrant, and optimistic, offering welcome moments of tangential respite. This is most obviously apparent when listening to ‘Oolong’, a deliberately slow-burning composition which is defined by its two contrasting sections. The sudden twist towards something resembling (un)conventional synth-pop is vaguely humorous in its execution, provides a welcome injection of energy and is delivered with the same sense of enduring self-awareness featured throughout. These brief bursts of assertiveness permeate the record, the synth-driven ‘Spring Elevator’ or the striking keys of ‘Hyacinth’ add variety whilst also generating splashes of colour, preventing the album from becoming tiresome or prevailingly melancholic. Acoustic, intimate fragility standing aside to welcome bold and spacey electronics. The occasional brightness of the instrumentation therefore offers an intriguing juxtaposition, especially when placed alongside Papadatos’s comparatively unenthused tone.

The sprawling ‘Turque’ represents the most forthright departure down Ganja’s smoke-shrouded rabbit hole, utilizing trippy guitars, tribalistic world-influenced percussion and a myriad of creative techniques throughout its generous runtime. The quiet, unobtrusive dynamics facilitating a dissociative journey through the sparse void lying dormant in one’s own mind. Isn’t that the point? – maybe we all require the serenity found in detachment, something our increasingly attention-demanding existences seldom allow for. Therein lies Ganja’s greatest selling point, it is perfectly suited to being a captivating albeit undemanding drift through the haze – yet despite this, opportunities exist for far more immersive engagement. To say this versatility facilitates a multi-pronged attack on your innermost psyche would be hyperbolic, partly because Ganja is never aggressive enough in demanding the listener’s attention – however it does undoubtedly have a way of permeating into your consciousness.

The ‘KU’ collective has succeeded in creating a work full of ebb and flow, a curious wandering journey that is deeply personal, poignant even, but simultaneously distant and elusive. Ganja is emotionally aware, tastefully written and compositionally sound. Full of creative endeavour without delusions of grandeur, neglecting gimmickry or needless obfuscation. The grounded simplicity provided by its art-pop sensibilities fuses seamlessly with a sense of elemental mystique found in its retro psych segments. Fortunately, this is an enduringly harmonious combination, sonically symbiotic even in its most contrasting of moments. If anything, boundaries could have been stretched further or ideas expanded upon – this concise nature certainly aids consistency, yet arguably works against its strengths. Despite this Ganja ultimately does feel alive, enigmatic even, only revealing itself at unexpected junctures. This absence of clarity, of absolute concrete certainty is instinctively unwelcoming, yet in perhaps the greatest contradiction of all – I wouldn’t want it any other way.

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3.9 excellent