At first I felt guilty for downloading it... thanks for your approval, Dev. I needed a lift yesterday and couldn't wait two more months, but I will most definitely buy the deluxe edition when it comes out.
When I first listened to Ki, I was... surprised. It was certainly not my favorite experience, and has challenged my taste in music more than anything I've recently listened to or bought. But by the end of my second listen, I was totally enthralled. Ki has captured the atmosphere of Terria, but stripped away the thickness and heaviness... I've been waiting for a "quiet" Dev album for a long time, having enjoyed some of the softer moments of Terria, but always jostled out of peace by the heavier bits (which are by no means anything less than brilliant). Ki, however, seems deeply personal, a spiritual accompaniment through quiet thoughts. It is rich in beauty, and in emotion, though it is subdued. It is perhaps more suited to background-listening than the other albums, but I've found it's a perfect companion for making art, or for relaxing at the end of a long day.
From a more technical aspect, my favorite parts are admittedly the parts that break the calm a little bit: especially the soaring end to Ki and the "Run away, just run away" from Coast (which is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. The jazzy drums add some jive, and it's so refreshing and rich to have very audible bass in the mix, not to mention beautiful vocals that play with minimalism and quiet and guitars that alternate between crushing, fun, and beautifully quiet. And of course the female vocals add an incredibly unique, surprising, and enjoyable touch.
So, at this point (probably about 10 listens in), I have to say that I love Ki- I may not always be in the mood for quiet, minimalistic music, but its escapism, serenity, and playfulness offer a unique release of stress and reassurance, all the while being extremely pleasing to my ears. Ki will certainly be among my favorite albums (and oddities, among my CD collection) for quite some time. Beautiful work, Dev- glad to see you spreading out more. Not that I wouldn't love more of the same, too.
