Next to Zero
Dynamic Latvian Duo
This duo out of Latvia has a knack for combing the beauty of old analog tones, with just a touch of the modern mix and atmospherics. Janis Grants and Janis Kalnis are the masterminds behind this duo – a Baltic Black Keys, if you will – with Grants handling the vocals and bass, and Kalnis handling the skins.
It starts with an atmospheric swirl, that leads into a heavy groove that we swear has a taste of country in it – but heavier riffs and tones. As the vocals start – a beautiful space is created but the groove is never lost. Reminds us of MUSE. The chorus takes back to the head groove underneath the hook – with some clever effects and odd sounds that carry over from the verse. The bass tone is alone is really raw and beautiful, but to me the song is all about the drum groove. When the vocals are in, they maintain a steady pattern and stay out of the way, but it’s what they do in the other sections that make them special. The fills are not standard – not what you think you’re going to hear – and that’s a good thing. The also don’t sound too gridded out. Most tracks (if you don’t know this, shame on you) these days have everything snapped to the grid to keep everything tight, but what you loose in doing so is the life – the breath – the bone marrow of the song. If they did do it here, they didn’t over do it because this cut has plenty of morrow to it. The mix is smart too. Doubled guitars are properly panned hard left and right, but the solos, licks and effects all swirl around you from speaker to speaker – creating a larger space.
There’s a lot to love about this project and band, I hope you’ll scroll through their tunes on Spotify. This one is not as heavy and ambient as their other tracks, but certainly just as good. “Go On,” “Nervous Individual” and “Message to Myself” really show you what this duo is made of. We look forward to what they’ll do next!