Released in 2022, Reborn is the second studio release from Kavinsky; an electronic musician with a knack for crafting mesmerising sonic experiences. If you haven’t heard of Kavinsky, you wouldn’t be alone for it’s been a considerable break between albums with his first studio release, OutRun, hitting the music scene in 2013. Yes, it may be suggested that his first studio release was Nightcall, from 2012, but at 35 minutes in length, it walks the thin line between being an album or an EP with Kavinsky choosing the latter. Nevertheless, Reborn is true to its namesake for Kavinsky’s music has never sounded better. 

Naturally, music isn’t just about the composition of notes that creates pleasant soundscapes for the artwork for Reborn is extraordinarily good. If there is one album that deserves to be presented on the larger vinyl canvas, this is that album. 

Similarly, if the quality of the recording, mix, and mastering weren’t up to scratch, then Reborn wouldn’t be as compelling as it is. The lossless Apple Music stream, an Apple Digital Master, is stunning. You’ll be enveloped in the soundstage from the very first moment of the album to the last. While I suggest that this is one album everyone should own on vinyl, for the artwork alone, when a digital stream is this good, one needs to question if such attainment is necessary. 

Pulsar opens the album with not only a pulsating sound signature but one that will reach into your soul for the rhythmic beats mimics that of a pulse. Subsequently, it has to be heard to be fully appreciated and while many people listen to music via headphones, Pulsar is one song that I feel is best experienced via speakers as your body senses every element that would otherwise be missed if only experienced via your ears.

Reborn (feat. Romuald) flows beautifully and showcases an album experience more than merely a collection of songs haphazardly sequenced. As solid as Romuald’s inclusion here is, however, I can’t help but feel that this song would have been stronger sans lyrics. Still, it’s thoroughly enjoyable and that opinion is but a minor quibble. 

Renegade (feat. Cautious Clay) is a killer tune and is one of the best songs on the album and one that will stand the test of time. It all comes down to the infusion of rhythm and vocals that are mixed perfectly to create a song that is a modern equivalent of what one may expect from an artist such as Stevie Wonder. 

Trigger is bold, epic, and immersive and you’ll find yourself involuntarily moving along with the musical moments as the song shifts its rhythm throughout.

Goodbye (feat. Sébastien Tellier) slows the tempo somewhat, but because of the instrumental nature of Trigger, and the slow build of Goodbye, it isn’t as disrupting to the senses as one may initially imagine. Tellier’s vocal is incredible and sits in perfect phase with the accompanying musical bed. Goodbye is, subsequently, the most beautiful song to be heard on Reborn; one that will see your soul relax as you listen to the music. Although, that ending is simply too abrupt.

Plasma (feat. Morgan Phalen) picks up the tempo and will compel you to get on your feet. Plasma, however, isn’t the strongest song on the album and while there are elements that I thoroughly appreciate, the song as a complete piece of audible art is just not quite as strong as I feel it could have been. It’s as if it needed a little more oomph with a reduction of a decibel or two on the vocal track in order to really come alive. 

Cameo (feat. Kareen Lomax) is a solid toe-tapper but is a low point within the album. Don’t get me wrong, that isn’t to suggest Cameo is bad, but when you have a collection of songs as exceptional as those heard on Reborn even a solid tune will be lacklustre by comparison. That said, when looking at the album as a whole, Cameo sits perfectly and flows seamlessly. 

Zenith (feat. Prudence & Morgan Phalen) shifts to a more reflective jazzy rhythm and while I normally dislike overly processed vocals, they’re taken right to the edge of what I consider acceptable and Zenith subsequently sounds fantastic. 

Vigilante (feat. Morgan Phalen) is an example of organised chaos. Yes, one should cancel the other out, yet the disjointed nature sits in perfect harmony. While Vigilante won’t appeal to everyone, and it’s difficult to dance to as the mind struggles to find the core rhythm, it’s intriguing nonetheless. 

Zombie (feat. Morgan Phalen) gets the body moving to the rhythm. Sometimes that is all that is needed, for not every song requires extended commentary, it just has to be emotive. 

Outsider returns us to an instrumental musical landscape for the remainder of the album and as much as I appreciate lyrics within electronic music, as I listen to Outsider, I can’t help but wish that Kavinsky had also released a version that was purely instrumental as Outsider and all the instrumental-based tunes heard on Reborn are where the French electronic musician’s skills are strongest.

Horizon is a beautiful closer that compels me to play the album again. While I’m not convinced the electronic nonsensical vocal-styled musical element was required, Horizon is one of those reflective songs that also ensure that if this is the last album you listen to today, you’ll be left in a thoroughly relaxed musical state. 

Whether you’re a hardcore electronic fan, or not, Kavinsky mesmerizes listeners with his signature sound. Each track is notable on its own, but when listened to as a whole, Reborn takes you on an immersive journey; one that needs to be experienced firsthand to be fully appreciated. While each listener will interpret the album subjectively, there is little doubt in my mind that Reborn is one of the best albums released in 2022.