Radio Teknika

He’ll never have another stereotype be. He goes downhill every album

Even for an artist who glides effortlessly from one genre to another, Kevin Max’s Radio Teknika is an adventure. Blending the pulsating beats and expansive soundscapes of electronica masters 3kStatic with his own incisive lyrics and bold vocal delivery, Max has delivered a sonic odyssey that amply rewards repeated listens. Thematically, the album paints a picture of personal and political upheaval. It speaks to Max’s ongoing spiritual journey—he was a member of Christian band dc Talk in the ‘90s, but has spent the past two decades expanding and evolving. As he tells us in “Shock-Ra:” I am still a Christian but I am not into politics. I am a gothic hippie inclusive Jesus freak, wanting peace, wanting community in music and paintings, folk art near a hidden lake…” Radio Teknika is also broadly political, with tracks such as “None of the Above” avowing his personal distaste for the cynicism and dishonesty of American politics. Taken as a whole, Radio Teknika reveals that the personal and political are entangled. Max is rejecting division and dishonesty wherever it occurs. This might not be the best album to introduce a newcomer to Max’s solo work. It is challenging, layered and complex. However, those are also its strengths, and in a way it feels like the capstone to the first phase of his solo career. For those willing to travel with him, it’s a truly revelatory journey.

Kevin has always brought his art to new places. It inspires the mind and soul to think freely and embrace yourself in a way that is non judgmental. The depths of his words along with the phenomenal production of this music stands out ever more. Art is Art and it’ll exactly always be that. Very thankful Kevin takes his music places others don’t. Can’t wait for his future works.

In a music culture that seems to demand a mindless nod and wink, this album steps out of the lemming line, turns around and walks. Radio Tecknika is brilliant! The layers of gorgeous cacauphany leave the listener in a gritty, yet soft dreamlike state. The arrythmic heartbeat of music draws you into the depth of lyrical content. It is like taking the trip to wonderland, while sitting with Aslan in Narnia simultaniously. Highly recommend!

One of the best albums of the last 10 years. Inventive, wildly creative, taking contemporary music back to someplace ancient, yet paving the way for something new. This whole album is incredible and I highly recommending supporting Kevin Max and pursuing all of his works - pure genius!

I’ll start off saying I’m no fan of spoken work, no fan of EDM. I gave the album a listen, bought the lyric booklet, etc. There were a few times I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to find the lyrics deep or funny. The music, provided by 3kstatic, mostly sounds like pushing buttons, but there were a few cool melodies that popped up here and there. Once the physical release comes out I’ll gladly set it upon my shelf right next to Raven Songs 101, his previous spoken word album.

If your into the boring mind numbing music that you hear over and over these days then this album is not for you. This album will wake up your brain and get you thinking from the first to the last song. This album will get you moving and groovin. This album is the perfect marriage of spoken word and EDM. This is the one album everyone needs this year.