Kagran – Dizzy Days (EP 2023)
by Flork
Kagran is one of those little gems that captivated me right from the get-go. The 5 songs that comprise Dizzy Days (released earlier this month in October, 2023) is a brief, yet fun, musical journey through dreamy soundscapes, in which Kagran masterfully weaves together elements of shoegaze, indie, punk, pop, as well as alternative to create a unique and immersive sonic experience. Vajco, the mastermind behind Kagran, describes himself as a one-man show and contributes not only his musical talents, but also takes charge of the lyrics and vocals. It’s hard to say whether he performs the drums as well, or whether he recruits the talents of other performers on the compositions, but either way, the end product is amazing with attentive production and clear and precise mixing mastering. You might also note that his musical background and influences add depth to the album, with an affinity to acts such as Dog Eat Dog, RATM, The Offspring, and classic skate punk, which is particularly evident in the opening tracks. For example, Alive opens the Ep with a vibrant energy reminiscent of bands like 80s punk-pop/rock bands Husker Du or Dinosaur Jr., offering a reminiscent nod to the late 1990s and early 2000s—a time that had a huge impact on Vajco. This energy continues with One 4 U, which maintains a similar tempo and keeps the momentum going, much like the exciting discoveries of the past. These opening tracks give you a taste of the artist's punk and indie influences. Yet, as you delve deeper into Dizzy Days, the mood gradually shifts, reflecting the changing dynamics of music and culture, a point highlighted by Vajco's observation that "today, everything is somewhat merging into the mainstream."
Kagran takes you on a musical journey as the album evolves, with the last three tracks, Everything, Come and Go, and Loosing, showcasing a more subdued, yet still intensely raw side of the artist's creativity. Loosing in particular is a standout, delivering a mesmerizing shoegaze atmosphere that immerses the listener in a wall of Sound, reminiscent of a time when music discovery required genuine commitment. Actually, the dreamy atmosphere that envelops each song is one of the Ep’s most charming aspects, echoing the sentiments of those who remember the great times of the late '90s and early 2000s, when people valued bands and going out to concerts and gigs, rather than just playing Spotify or watching YouTube on their smartphones. Kagran's ability to create an atmosphere where listeners can get lost in the music is a testament to his artistry. It’s also important to note that musically, Kagran is a high-level project with talent that can compete on a world stage just as much as the domestic scene.
Dizzy Days by Kagran is a compelling and multifaceted musical work that seamlessly combines influences from various genres to create a cohesive, dreamy, and captivating listening experience. With each track, Kagran invites you to immerse yourself in a world of musical exploration, making it a must-listen for fans of shoegaze, indie, punk, and dream pop. Even the album’s cover artwork is great, the charm of the dog sitting contentedly on the floor is like an advertisement to come in and make yourself at home. If you do get a chance to read the interview on the jablka blogspot from 2021, you will understand how Vajco's reflections on the evolution of the music scene over the years provide valuable context to Kagran's creative journey, as well as the unique blend of influences found in Dizzy Days. His observations on the changing dynamics of music and culture reflect a shared sentiment of longing for the vibrant, exploratory spirit of the past. Yet, he is hardly stuck in the past as is evident with the timeless beats and rhythms that Dizzy Days offers. Definitely a cool, little project that will get VIP space in the Florkster’s playlist.
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