Track listing: Lev Theremin, Automation Diplomat, Kiamichi, Big Boss, La Bas (Down Here), Nightrider, An Luminous God (Don't Trip)

I sit down to review Steven Gaines' latest album Kiamichi while his hometown NBA team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, battle with the San Antonio Spurs for the Western Conference Finals. Where Kiamichi holds an advantage to the basketball matchup is that there are no dives, flops, or inept referees to be found on the record. Instead, Kiamichi delivers a blend of fast-paced Trap beats, some more typical "club-pace" bpm tracks, and the title track which brings ambient vibes together with a good mid-tempo'd groove.

Opening with "Lev Theremin," which also comes with an accompanying video, we're introduced to this album with a mysterious, alluring mood that sets the tone for the remaining 6 songs. "Automation Diplomat" offers a frenetic energy, leading to my personal favorite track on the album, the aforementioned "Kiamichi." Tempo and backbeat-wise it's the most funky, with the percussion loop creating a nice, open space for the synths. The song's crystal clear chord progression and melodic higher-pitched synth give it a smooth mid-80s jazz feel, updated with a more modern production style.

"Big Boss" and "La Bas" bring back the frenzy, with the latter adding both video-game-y effects and just a hint of a vocal component. "Nightrider" carries on with the feverishness but also backs off as it introduces the finale of "An Lumimous God (Don't Trip)"--an atmospheric journey including acoustic piano and some industrial-hum overtones.

Kiamichi continues what has been an extremely prolific period for Gaines. On Spotify alone, he's surpassed 10 full-length albums since 2020, not to mention nearly 2 dozen singles and EPs. Given Steven Gaines a Follow across his social and streaming platforms; and perhaps he will celebrate the new following as the Thunder raise their championship trophy.