!k7 are pleased to announce forest swords as the next curator of the ever essential dj-kicks series. following acclaimed albums on ninja tune and tri angle, soundtrack and installation work, and remixes of the likes of bjork, matthew barnes aka forest swords has curated a 25-track compilation that draws a line between past inspirations and his current peers. like much of his own output, his dj-kicks skirts around pristine electronics and embraces more organic textures: 80s post punk (anna domino, dead can dance), classic 90s british electronica (orbital, mira calix), and smokey digi-dub (rhythm & sound), all rub up alongside some of the most forward-facing producers working today (demdike stare, laurel halo, fis). the compilation sifts through rhythms, shifting speeds and emotions: from pop icon neneh cherrys primal thudding to the zombified throb of exclusive forest swords track crow via deena abdelwaheedÕs clattering deconstructions to the euphoric two-step of djrum. its a collection of tracks that feels as restlessly curious and weighty as barnes own work.
