Dutch artist Goldkimono has released his third album This One’s On The House and it’s funky and infectious from start to finish. The album represents a more “intimate and honest evolution” of Goldkimono and the influence of Talking Heads, The Police, Paul Simon, Talk Talk and 10cc shine through on many of the tracks.
Prelude gently eases us into Goldkimono’s world with its reverbing guitars, stripped back percussion and mimicked birdsong. Then in sweeps Got A Long Way To Go which builds on the elements introduced in Prelude: funky guitar hooks, flamboyant trumpet flourishes and multi-layered percussion. The chorus of “All I know, all I know, we got a long way to go” reels you in and gets your hips swaying
Title track This One’s On The House is all deep baseline and invigorating kettlebell paired with an unforgettable and catchy hook. Goldkimono’s vocal is smooth and unfaltering as he sails through the chorus of “I said this one’s on the house but the next one you’re gonna have to deal with me.” The percussion and accompaniments build and build as the track progresses, with backing vocals and electronic elements thrown into the mix, creating a mesmerising soundscape.
I’m In Heaven is undoubtedly 80s inspired with its pounding beat, colourful and poppy vibe and mantra-like chorus. Goldkimono invites everyone to join in on the chorus of “Slow down, wake me up, I feel like I’m in heaven” as the beat pulses and the trumpets flare. It’s feel good pop that’s perfect for a summer’s day.
Voicenote acts as a bridge connecting the first section of the album to the second and where some ad-libbing slides quickly into Wynona. There’s a fun-loving reggae influence to this track with the heavy baseline, steel drums and keys but it’s got that unique Goldkimono influence with multiple electronic elements that lend it a genre all of its own.
Previous single Lifetime is poppy, upbeat and lures you in with its vibrant and catchy beat. Lifetime is about putting down your phone and living a bit more in the present. The lyrics are profound and right from the start we can hear the stark contrast between the peppy beat and the message within the track: “Tensions in the world rising so damn high. Don’t know why we can’t live side by side. Fear in the East, some more in the West. Glued to my screen, yeah, we do our best.” Goldkimono speaks of real world issues which affect all of us since we all share this one planet but which a lot of us are guilty of turning a blind eye to as we get lost scrolling social media, becoming slaves to our phones. The chorus of “This ain’t your timeline. This is your lifetime. Wake up” is so simple and yet it really hammers home the importance of opening our eyes and looking at the bigger picture. Goldkimono’s vocal blends smoothly with the poppy beat that’s peppered with plucky guitars plus the odd cowbell and electronic flourishes for added fun.
After the sensory overload of Lifetime we’re taken to a much calmer place during Interlude For The Mind. Pan pipes and flowing water allow a brief reset before we head into the third part of the album. In 21st Century the heavy base returns with a vengeance, this time accompanied by a flute and guiro which lend the track a Latin warmth. The message is another poignant one: “I need sun, I need air, need water. I need it blended it under my feet to give me culture. I need shelter, I need shelter from the 21st Century.” Sometimes what we all need is a reset, stepping away from technology and to ground ourselves.
Do You Remember is addictive right from the first beat and once again the 80s influence could not be more apparent with the fast-paced beat and playful synths. The light-hearted chorus of “Do you remember when the world belonged to you and me? Do you remember when the world belonged to you and me?” is sung by Goldkimono in a more playful style that fits in perfectly with the hurried pace and vibrancy of the track.
The tempo is taken down a notch with Look At Her which is a touching ode to an unnamed woman in Goldkimono’s life. The vibe is beachy and carefree and the lyrics further play into the theme of love and acceptance that runs through the album: “The way she looks at me man all I know is she was written in the stars amongst the UFOs… look at her smile try not to get lost inside it.” The incorporation of what sounds like a noise-making toy from the 90s adds a nostalgic and light-hearted air to the track.
The Only Place That I Know is best described as experimental and industrial. Take a reggae beat, pull it apart and insert jarring, metallic stabs which completely flip the track on its head.
The album closes with We Love It, another peppy, upbeat offering which focusses on spreading the message of love and joy and living in the moment. The chorus of “We love it, we love it, we love it” is sang mantra-like and leaves the listener with a sense of fullness and gratitude.
When speaking of the album Goldkimono said ”When I first started as Goldkimono, everything felt like an experiment – learning to let go of rules, trusting instinct, and leaning into sound as a feeling more than a formula. This new album feels like the natural next step, but deeper. It still has that looseness, that late-night spirit, but there’s more perspective in it now. It’s more lived-in.”
Martijn ‘Tienus’ Konijnenburg launched his project Goldkimono in 2020 and gained immediate success with his debut single To Tomorrow. He has performed at various Dutch venues and festivals such as Lowlands, Down The Rabbit Hole, Into The Woods and TivoliVredenburg.
This One’s On The House is available to stream now. Find out more about Goldkimono here and have a listen to the album below.