Now it has been a while since I had my last conversation in French or Japanese, so I needed to rely on the good old internet to confirm something that was really bugging me. Interestingly enough, in French and Japanese, “Kitsuné” translates to “The place of spectacular musical discovery;” or “fox” depending on which website you trust; what are the odds? In short, if Nanobot Rock Reviews were a record label, I would hope we’d be the brother of these Parisians.
But alas, we are only here to talk about the music. And if you’re like me there was a lot to gain from their New Faces release. So much to gain in fact, that the moment I heard of America 3 I absolutely had to give it a spin. The third installment of the America series, as noted with the “3,” a series that has previously donned the talents of St. Lucia, Haerts and Toro Y Moi, to name a few, brings about a plethora of options for your musical palate; some more delectable than others, but I doubt you’ll mind trying all fourteen tracks.
From Brooklyn to Seattle, from Los Angeles to Montauk, from D.C. to Des Moines, America 3 spreads its wings on a thermal column of fourteen diversely talented singles and soars to audiophile heights that will make you feel as though you’ve reached the musical Mount Olympus. The ensuing vivaciousness is one massive hook that refuses to let go. The compilation drifts in on the soft melodies and dreamy styles of Beau‘s “Karma.” It finds a retro groove in Sunni Colón’s “1000 Roses.” There are a few songs that don’t quite strike me as powerfully as others, though still quality, I consider it a testament to the overall class of the whole. And that quality is more present in Misun’s “Eli Eli,” “Nothing You Can Say (Featuring Lucy Stone)” by Lane 8, album closer “Speak” by the very talented Navi and the “holy hell this is great” inducing “Christian Eyes” by Max Jury. The latter being the kind of song you feel in your stomach, your heart and your soul, easily making it my favorite discovery on 3.
This is no “third time is the charm” scenario because what Kitsuné does, nay, everything Kitsuné does, is top notch. You won’t like every single track, the diversity is intentional, but what you find you like, you’ll love. This is one compilation definitely worth your time.
Greg is a regular contributor and co-founder at Nanobot. He took French in high school and wants to learn Japanese. He is proficient in understanding the language of music, regardless its national origin.