The Dreamlike Soundscape of Anysia Kym’s "Purity"
A Recurring Dream
I’ve been having this recurring dream for as long as I can remember. I’m always late—whether it’s to school, the bus stop, or my childhood home. My distractions are so profound that I never reach my final destination. Instead, I find myself entangled in memory fragments that emerge in unexpected places: old classrooms hidden behind my bedroom door, or an uncle sitting beside me, asking for my homework. Although I know I should feel an acute sense of urgency, the experience is instead enveloped in a vague, pillowy placidity.
The Sonic Universe of Anysia Kym
When I wake, the oneiric transmissions of Anysia Kym draw me back into this headspace. Her album, Truest, released last year, has quickly become one of my favorites from the 2020s. It is a vibrant tapestry woven from twitchy breakbeats and hypnagogic samples, all entwined with Kym’s pitched-shifted lilt. Imagine Solange, had she spent her middle school years immersed in the surrealities of Adult Swim, while vibing to the sounds of Captain Murphy and Quasimoto.
Collaboration with Tony Seltzer
Following her inebrious spring EP with Loraine James, Kym has teamed up with fellow New Yorker Tony Seltzer for her latest project, Purity. This album consists of 12 punchy, loosely connected tracks that showcase the chemistry between Kym and Seltzer. Seltzer is no stranger to the music scene; he has traversed various genres and collaborated with artists like Eartheater and Smokepurpp, even co-producing one of Princess Nokia’s biggest hits before the pandemic reshaped the industry.
The Essence of Purity
On Purity, Kym and Seltzer converge to create a breezy and sumptuous soundscape, grounding Kym’s extraterrestrial R&B in heavy, head-busting percussion. The album flows through sensual intoxicants like “Relaxxxxx” and late-night cruisers such as “Big Difference,” establishing a frosty, dimly lit ambiance.
Areas for Improvement
However, Purity does have its shortcomings. The choppy sequencing at times detracts from the overall listening experience. While Kym’s earlier releases and Seltzer’s Pinball tapes feel polished and cohesive, Purity struggles with momentum. The abrupt stops and starts of tracks can feel distracting, straddling the line between leaving listeners wanting more and creating a sense of incompletion.
The track “Long4,” the only one to surpass two minutes, is the most immersive, enveloped in its use of negative space. I wish that the captivating track “Afterparty” had a few more minutes to let its tension build, and that the ambient “Interlude,” with its subterranean elevator music and spaceship blips, had set the stage like a UFO landing.
Conclusion
Anysia Kym’s Purity is a fascinating exploration of sound, blending unique influences and styles to create a dreamlike experience. While the album offers moments of brilliance, its uneven pacing may leave some listeners yearning for a more cohesive journey. Nonetheless, the collaboration between Kym and Seltzer showcases the potential of their artistic synergy, hinting at exciting possibilities for future projects.
FAQs
What genre of music does Anysia Kym produce?
Anysia Kym primarily produces R&B music, infused with elements of experimental pop and electronic sounds.
Who is Tony Seltzer?
Tony Seltzer is a New York-based producer known for his work across various genres, collaborating with artists like Eartheater and Princess Nokia.
What is the main theme of Purity?
Purity explores themes of nostalgia and memory, combining dreamlike soundscapes with a sense of urgency and distraction.
How does Purity compare to Kym’s earlier works?
While Purity showcases Kym’s unique sound, it has been noted for its choppy sequencing, which contrasts with the more cohesive feel of her earlier releases.
