Song of the Week - 17/01/13 - Kavinsky - Protovision

Kavinsky - Protovision

Here's a nice little electro tune from late last year that I have been recently reminded of. I first came across Kavinsky back when I was into the electro stylings of Justice back in 2008 when their debut album † (or Cross) was becoming popular among those in the know. Their music was something completely different to anything else I had encountered before - mainly instrumental electronic music with a few songs with samples or lyrics. There biggest hit was 'We are your Friends (never be alone again)' that is still played fairly regularly at indie themed nights out. At the other end of the spectrum is Justice's instrumental number 'Waters of Nazareth' which on the first listen sounds like your speakers have broken but then goes on to some great electronic beats. This was the type of thing that led me to further explore this French electronic scene and subsequently discover the likes of Daft Punk and Kavinsky.

And there is not much of a better example of the 'coolness' of the genre than Kavinsky with his effortlessly cool retro styling and cartoon character-esque persona. With his trademark black wayfarers and red and white baseball jacket, Kavinsky has created something of a caricature of himself, presenting himself as some sort of 80's graphic novel character.

As if he wasn't cool enough Kavinsky often features the classic Ferrari Testarossa in his videos and artwork which I love, and which really makes you wonder how any man can be that cool (as in pic).

His music is almost all instrumental, with his production style described as being 'visceral' (whatever that means) and with a nod to the classic electronica movie soundtracks and video game music of the 80s. The outcome is pure electronica which is effortlessly cool with its retro charm.

This song 'Protovision' is his new single that has a very sleek music video that features a car chase between Kavinsky's Ferrari Testarossa and a cop's Mustang that would not be out of place in any stereotypical 80s action flick.
Also check out his previous single, Nightcall, which I enjoyed a lot. The song was featured in the opening credits of the film Drive (2011), gaining popularity for Kavinsky, shown by the fact that the song currently has over 27.8 million views on youtube. 

Sometimes I wish that Kavinsky could be the soundtrack to my life, it would be way cooler that way... 

[Sources: last.fm, Youtube]