Undefined by Lost Midas
“The brilliant Lost Midas - big favourite of mine and ours on this show” – LAUREN LAVERNE (BBC 6MUSIC)
Undefined’, is the second album from the talented LA-based electronic producer Lost Midas. Following a succession of singles, ‘Undefined’ sits at the heart of unique leftfield electronic and gleaming pop music.
Lost Midas is the project of producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jason Trikakis, who is originally from Boston but now rooted in LA – a city which fascinates and frustrates in equal measure, and whose contrasts heavily influence his sound. He developed much of his new material with the help of friend Josh Wood – an in-demand songwriter and arranger who produces under his BMG-signed vocal moniker Kalispell and whose major collaborations include projects for Janet Jackson, Pitbull and Krewella.
Lost Midas’ new work attests to a year-or-so spent stripping his musical methods back and rebuilding, putting a strong focus on the deceptively simple art of classic song-craft. ‘Undefined’ celebrates the LA producer’s enjoyment of iconic aesthetics found in contemporary pop, by pairing them with a sensory experience of sinuous IDM beats and synths, backed up with relatable and honest subject matter which touches on real relationships. Other personal flourishes like using his father’s photography in the artwork show Lost Midas imbue deeper meaning to the project through these simple humbling touches.
Built around a catchy synth hook, steel drums and sweet, catchy lyrical phrase “Yucaipa” opens the album, before drifting off into the 90’s-era of bubblegum pop and saccharine vocals on “For Nothing feat. Rachel Geller”. Fizzing with bright Los Angeles heat, the playful style of “Nebula feat. Rachel Geller” calls to mind the sensuality and abandon of a late-night hook-up, accompanied by the joyful vocals from regular Lost Midas collaborator Geller. The contemplative “San Gorgonio” finds Trikakis looking out across the metropolis from the lofty peak of Southern California’s tallest mountain, San Gorgonio in search of authentic human connections in an increasingly individualistic and disorientating reality.
Title-track “Undefined feat. Rachel Geller” questions curated pop identities and the agency we have over our image, before leading into the playful “Arroyo Seco” which builds up to a point-break crash of metallic dubstep textures and vaportrap arpeggiators. Ear-candy hooks combine with chopped up vocal harmonies and synth textures for the perfectly poised “Kayla’s Lullaby feat. Kalispell”, on which Trikakis’ empathetic lyrics take the perspective of a father explaining to his daughter why he and her mother can no longer be together. “Despite him not being around as much anymore, he reassures her that he will always love her”, says Trikakis.
Named after one of California’s striking mountains, which for Trikakis have come to symbolise peace, reflection and escapism from the madness of LA, the buoyant footwork cut “San Jacinto feat. Ken Nana” grew from a session with Ken Nana, a talented producer and half of the alternative R&B duo, MIKNNA. Mellow slow jam “Dancer feat. Rachel Geller & Kalispell”’sshuddering bass and immersive filters build tension before the androgynous vocals on “Montecito” call out “I still believe” with the aura of a futuristic fairy tale. Gossamer synth notes sinuate over blunted drums on album closer “Calipatria” feat. NüTrik” which wasco-produced by Lost Midas and his brother NüTrik (Nick Trikakis), whose burgeoning CV as a producer includes working with Sohn, HARMS, Tula, and a new remix for Moon Boots [Anjunadeep].
Lost Midas’ sophomore LP sees his diverse musical influences filtered through a maturity and an acceptance of himself and his position in a crazy world.
Tracklist
| 1. | Yucaipa | 4:41 |
| 2. | For Nothing (feat. Rachel Geller) | 3:36 |
| 3. | Nebula (feat. Rachel Geller) | 3:28 |
| 4. | San Gorgonio | 4:39 |
| 5. | Undefined (feat. Rachel Geller) | 3:52 |
| 6. | Arroyo Seco | 3:35 |
| 7. | Kayla’s Lullaby (feat. Kalispell) | 3:19 |
| 8. | San Jacinto (feat. Ken Nana) | 3:50 |
| 9. | Dancer (feat. Rachel Geller and Kalispell) | 3:53 |
| 10. | Montecito | 3:23 |
| 11. | Calipatria (feat. NüTrik) | 3:13 |
Credits
License
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Lost Midas is the alter ego of Boston born Jason Trikakis, who first established himself as a hip hop drummer throughout his teens and into his ‘20s.
Mastering a range of instruments along the way (including his current favourite, the keys), he gradually developed an obsession with composition and the endless possibilities within the realm of electronic production.