DORIAN GEIGER
Arts Writer

VICTORIA ”“ The Vancouver Olympics have not only given athletes a chance to shine on the world stage but have also given emerging Canadian musical talent an opportunity to be heard.
Relatively underground Toronto based DJ group Keys N Krates were one of these pleasant surprises, and, following their Feb. 17 and 18 shows in Vancouver and Victoria, it’s likely these guys will catch on fast in western Canada.

Keys N Krates, in non-musical, un-cool lingo, translates into piano (keys) and drums (crates). The name is fitting because it serves as a good indicator of what to expect when exploring the intoxicating instrumental experience that is Keys N Krates.

Intoxicating is the appropriate descriptor, and it becomes evident after listening to these guys live that they are levels above the typical MacBook DJs roaming trendy lounges trying to pimp the latest Lady Gaga singles.

Keys N Krates’ live incorporation of piano and drums into the sampling, mash-ups and turntablism of DJ Jr Flo melds together a mix of electronica, popular hip hop samples and scratching to create a distinctive flow.

Alongside Jr Flo, pianist Matisse and drummer Tune all play an essential role contributing to Keys N Krates’ uncharacteristic swagger. Flo brings the dance-tastic, well-known, up-tempo samples of Dr. Dre, Jay-Z and Lil Wayne to maintain the group’s hip hop complex, while the piano provides electronic ambiance to the mixes. The addition of live drums, however, is truly the cherry on top of Keys N Krates’ appeal and reflects a Travis Barker-esque style that is ingrained in the Blink 182 drummer’s hip hop projects.

If it’s a comparison you’re looking for, Keys N Krates follow a similar remixing style to the likes of Team Canada DJs. Keys N Krates’ DJ Jr Flo is actually affiliated with Team Canada through the Eh Team, an esteemed group of Canada’s most talented DJs, so you can be sure Keys N Krates are deadly serious. The DJing group also recently played alongside fellow Canadian hip hop artist K’Naan.

The trio of Keys N Krates only disappointed in one sense: their set was simply too short — understandably so because they have only been around since 2008. Keys N Krates’ musical content remains limited, and up until the show the only opportunity to listen to the group was sampling the sonic index of their MySpace page. So you could see why it was additionally disappointing not to see a mixtape or album for sale.

If you’re going to check Keys N Krates out via their MySpace page, their song “C.E.O.” is an addictive choice and was the selection responsible for filling the dance floor to capacity faster than the bartender could pour my drink.

Music is often about the environment it’s played in and Keys N Krates’ music is no exception. The classic late-night get-together among a group of friends following an evening of clubbing is the perfect environment to introduce your ears to the unique sub-genre of DJing that is Keys N Krates.

– –
photo: Robby Davis