Kevin Richard Martin, also known as The Bug, and Kenyan ambient artist KMRU are teaming up for a new album called ‘Disconnect’. The six-track record is set to release on June 14 through British label Phantom Limb and will reportedly explore the themes of dread, hope, and profound sonics. The album features KMRU’s vocals and Martin’s dub-style production. The lead single ‘Differ’ is currently available to stream.
Martin first discovered KMRU’s works while watching a 2020 short film called Under The Bridge. Immediately impressed with KMRU’s approach and his captivating speaking voice, Martin learned more about his productions, eventually connecting with him on Instagram. Their admiration for each other eventually led them to collaborate on ‘Disconnect’.
The album has a back-and-forth dialogue between the duo, and Martin provides vocals. It originated from a study of a text KMRU wrote during his sound art studies about the complexities of otherness. The themes and ideas of the album serve as a response to Audre Lorde’s idea that differences should be embraced and celebrated as a dynamic force rather than viewed as a threat.
The album is the first of two works by the duo; the second upcoming release is called ‘Otherness’ and will also explore these themes. ‘Disconnect’ can be pre-ordered through Phantom Limb’s Bandcamp page and the tracklist is as follows: Differences, Arkives, Difference, Ark, Differ, and Arcs.
Mixmag reported on the collaboration, and Gemma Ross is credited as the article’s author
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