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Album reviews Music

Keys n Krates

Toronto electronic trio Keys N Krates started out as a live remix band, using turntables to chop up a cappella versions of other artists’ songs over hip-hop-influenced rhythms laid down by a drummer and keyboard player. These days their sound is closer to the trap EDM beats that have replaced dubstep on the big festival stages, though you can still hear traces of their original approach. The main difference is that the synths are more maximalist, the drums sounds crunchier, and they chop up guest vocalists like Katy B now instead of jacking samples from records.

Alongside those rave-trap beats and future bass sounds, they’ve also taken to mixing in busy drum ’n’ bass breakbeats, ethereal electronic indie pop influences and occasional nods to their hip-hop roots. That eclecticism is their greatest strength, particularly since trap’s dominance of the mainstream EDM scene appears to have peaked and is rapidly losing steam. They’ve got a good sense of how to blend grimey textures and glossy pop elements, which helps give some of their more predictable drops and breakdowns extra personality. 

Top track: I Know U

Keys N Krates play the Danforth Music Hall March 25. Win tickets here!   

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