Music Review: Open Sea by Kinneret
By: Maegan Paul
On Nov. 5, 2020, new age artist Kinneret released her second album, “Open Sea”, which was just as fun as her debut album from 2019. As an independent artist, her songs consistently give a sound that is authentically her own, which is something unique and intriguing in the best possible way.
One defining characteristic of Kinneret’s music is clever wordplay with a strong hint of existentialism. She asks questions like “what do colors do” and “who are you,” both of which happen to be the titles to two of my favorite songs. In addition to carefully-crafted lyrics and queries, Kinneret entrances with her mixing of each track. The presence of a strong bass builds many of her songs into chill head-boppers that create an energy which is most accurately described as “a perfect vibe,” making it nearly impossible to hate any of her work.
Kinneret’s tracks are further enhanced by a layering of keys and voice. She utilizes unexpected and exciting harmonies such as the perfect fourth to create a sound that is pleasant to listeners. She also bends the sound of her music with the use of added reverb and echo. What a pleasant thing to jam out to!
The first single on this album, “Run on the Water,” is the perfect combination of aspects that create Kinneret’s distinct sound. She starts the track with an intro reminiscent of the score from a cartoon alien show, but she uses this as an unusual background melody which adds energy to the song.
Later, as the song seems to draw to an end, Kinneret switches the beat and introduces an unknown friend in a way that reminds me of Billie Eilish and Finneas’ opening track for their album “WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?”
This casual and commentary-like portion of her songs is not new for Kinneret: it was something heavily prevalent on her “DMZ” album. Her friends and collaborators have fewer of those informal moments in “Open Sea,” but that has not detracted from the joy in her songs.
The only other song with fun group recording session vibes, “New Approach!” is the biggest bop in the album. The track features heavy bass and a verse from artist ANTICULTURE with more clever wordplay.
Kinneret makes a brief appearance in the song and introduces another collaborator in a comedic moment where the collaborator breaks the fourth wall to ask when to come in. Once it is finally “Daniel’s time,” he spits a few bars with an incredibly soothing voice. His verse and tone feel a bit spooky, but the general atmosphere of openness that is created by the fun moment between Kinneret and Daniel, creates a pleasant trust and sense of happiness while listening.
Most of Gen Z is probably most familiar with “No Wind Resistance!” from her first album, and while that song is classically Kinneret, there is much more to the artist that should be explored, regardless of what genres you currently prefer. I encourage everyone to listen to “Open Sea” and watch out for any of her future projects. Kinneret is an artist truly pushing outside the norm of even bedroom pop artists, and there is certainly more to expect from this budding and talented musician.
