It’s practically a cliché at this point to refer back to Kaytranada’s clubby R&B rework of Janet Jackson’s 1993 industrial pop banger If, but it remains a touchstone in the young Montreal beatmaker’s catalogue. Not only did it establish his light ‘n’ smooth electro-funk aesthetic, but it’s still so good – and a staple in his eclectic DJ sets.
At a time when monotone bass is so prevalent, Kaytranada’s vividly colourful music stands out all the more, and 99.9% further expands his sound while setting a new benchmark. The album alternates between instrumentals and songs with guests including R&B singer Craig David, BADBADNOTGOOD, MCs like Vic Mensa and GoldLink who are able to play ball with his skittery rhythms and gliding house beats, and left-field-gone-major-league pop acts AlunaGeorge and Little Dragon.
99.9% toughens up his usual formula of sleek synths and beats with raw, jazzy percussion and bass, sometimes adding a bit of edge to a pop banger like the AlunaGeorge/GoldLink team-up Together. More interesting is the woozy alien funk of Glowed Up, featuring rapper/singer Anderson .Paak, or the 80s electro/jazz mashup Breakdance Lesson N.1. While 99.9% delivers on his usual glistening, housey R&B, the heady mix of soul, jazz, house and breakbeat elements constantly shifts the pace but not the daydreamy tone.
As much as Kaytranada seems to be referencing genre staples and styles, his constant flights of rhythmic fancy make his music seem genre-averse. And when he connects with a vocalist or drummer who shares that sensibility, 99.9% really glows.
Top track: Glowed Up, feat. Anderson .Paak
Kaytranada plays the Danforth Music Hall on May 20. See listing. Win tickets here!
