Keys N Krates

For a band whose success is so heavily rooted in their ability to rock a crowd with the energy and spontaneity so characteristic of live remixing, Toronto, ON's Keys N Krates find themselves in the interesting dilemma of how to transfer those traits over to the studio. By recording their latest mixtape, Almost 39 Minutes, live-off-the-floor, the dynamic trio of decks, drums and keys have come as close as possible, banging out a dance music sound collage encompassing everything from classic funk, disco and even old-time jazz to the familiar voices of MJ, Aaliyah and Weezy. All of these varied elements receive extra heft from the crew's stomping, progressive kit rhythms and myriad synth tones, flavours topped off by Jr. Flo's well-placed vocal insertions. With its decent pace and many twists and turns ensuring freshness, the disc succeeds both in offering a taste of the live KNK experience and as something to put a little skip in your step while moving from point A to B.