Rindert Lammers – Thank You Kirin Kiki

Rindert Lammers’ debut album, Thank You Kirin Kiki, set for release on April 18th via Western Vinyl, is a deeply cinematic and emotionally resonant journey into ambient soundscapes. Lammers, a Dutch artist influenced by Genesis in his early years, found solace in film after experiencing profound personal losses during college. This connection between music and cinema is at the heart of his upcoming album, with the title track taking inspiration from a poignant beach scene in Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Shoplifters (2018). Featuring the tender saxophone of Joseph Shabason, “Thank You Kirin Kiki” is an intricate exploration of memory, gratitude, and atmosphere.

From the very first notes, Thank You Kirin Kiki establishes an ethereal, immersive environment that encapsulates Lammers’ unique ability to weave emotion into sound. The track unfolds gradually, its rhythm delicate yet purposeful, allowing space for reflection and introspection. Unlike traditional ambient compositions that rely on pure texture, Lammers introduces a carefully structured rhythmic foundation that breathes life into the piece without disrupting its meditative flow. The percussion is subtle, understated, and organic, creating a gentle pulse that guides the listener through the shifting sonic landscape.

The bassline plays a crucial role in grounding the composition. Instead of dominating the mix, it serves as a warm undercurrent, providing depth and a sense of movement without overpowering the more atmospheric elements. The interplay between the bass and the synths is masterfully executed, reinforcing the track’s emotional weight while maintaining a light, dreamlike quality.

Lammers’ use of synthesizers is one of the standout elements of Thank You Kirin Kiki. His approach is textural rather than melodic, utilizing sweeping pads and evolving tones to construct a vast, cinematic backdrop. The synths are both expansive and intimate, shifting between wide, airy reverb-drenched chords and more granular, detailed sonic flourishes. This dynamic range adds a sense of depth and progression, keeping the listener engaged throughout the track’s duration.

What truly elevates Thank You Kirin Kiki is the inclusion of Joseph Shabason’s saxophone. Known for his expressive, emotive playing, Shabason’s contributions add a deeply human element to the piece. His sax lines are neither intrusive nor overly ornamental; rather, they seamlessly blend into the composition, serving as a voice that whispers rather than shouts. The result is a soundscape that feels profoundly personal yet universally relatable—a delicate balance between nostalgia and hope.

The atmosphere of Thank You Kirin Kiki is undeniably cinematic. Lammers has crafted a sonic world that feels like a moment suspended in time, evoking the emotional depth of the film scenes that inspired him. The track’s title itself serves as a tribute to the late Kirin Kiki, an actress known for her moving performances, further emphasizing Lammers’ reverence for film as an art form that can evoke deep emotional responses.

With Thank You Kirin Kiki, Rindert Lammers delivers a work of high artistic merit that transcends mere ambient music. It is an experience—one that we are thrilled to showcase on our webzine. Thoughtfully composed and emotionally resonant, this track is a testament to the power of sound as a vessel for storytelling. We eagerly anticipate the full release of the album in April, as Lammers’ vision promises to be a standout entry in the contemporary ambient landscape.

L'articolo Rindert Lammers – Thank You Kirin Kiki sembra essere il primo su Parkett.