The soft bass stereotypical of the UK scene responsible for creating Gang Colours fits seamlessly throughout The Keychain Collection. The debut album from producer Will Ozanne is said to draw on childhood experiences and stories, further cause for the entire record to echo the British garage bands on which he was raised. Blending nicely with other material from Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood label, the Southampton-based Ozanne should warn listeners new to Gang Colours of the nostalgia it may induce.
Padded is one way to describe the low ends of the LP. “On Compton Bay,” one of the most down tempo tracks off The Keychain Collection, is heavily influenced by this sleepy UK-style bass. Although there are enough subtle electronic effects to the song to warrant a “slow down” or “filler” spot on a club playlist, the unhurried rhythm of the piano overpowers the mood and leaves the strongest after taste. Suggested pairings: a rainy Sunday or a well-aged pillow. I recommend both.
Not arriving until after the two-minute mark, the vocals of the track are easy to forget. Should a dream state not yet have taken hold, listeners are treated to Ozanne’s echoing voice; something more prevalent elsewhere on the LP but a mere afterthought for “On Compton Bay.”
The short run time of the ten-track album may lead some to squeeze in a listen between appointments or obligations. A better strategy for The Keychain Collection would be to clear an afternoon, loop the album, relax and get lost in it.