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Electronic/Funk: Kingbastard - Brainfunk (2011)

75 / 100
Brainfunk is a surprisingly accessible and groove-driven electronic EP that balances retro club aesthetics with relaxed, playful energy.


Ah, a bit unlucky this time, as I ended up with a genre I’m not yet familiar with under the letter K—namely the electronic realm, more specifically something akin to funk, through Kingbastard’s Brainfunk.

Kingbastard is one of the side projects of Chris Weeks, whom I have reviewed before. This electronic project has existed for around 20 years and remains active to this day. Brainfunk itself was born in October 2011, and I obtained this release via Ambidextrous Records, which released it in May 2023.

I actually finished this six-track EP quite a while ago, but it eventually won out in a random selection a few days ago. So, well, here we are. Can I review the Brainfunk EP properly? Let’s see.

The EP opens with thunder sounds to reinforce the storm representation in “Brainstorm,” which then unfolds in a laid-back mood and becomes more assertive in its latter half, making it quite relevant to the three tracks that follow. “KingBee’s Waggle Dance” reaches peak groove in the style of a 1970s–80s club, followed by “The Sunshine Skank,” before easing back into a relaxed feel with “Out of Lunch.” “You Float My Boat” closes the EP with the vibe of a vocal theme song that ends a TV show episode, similar to what I found in a much earlier release than Brainfunk, Tied Up to Machines.

Yes, I nearly hit a dead end trying to review electronic music, but as usual, a clearer sense emerged through the act of writing, so I no longer underestimate this EP by Chris Weeks. Everything works well, and I am increasingly unsure which track to pick as a favorite, although I was already satisfied with the field recording sounds on “Brainstorm.” I’m still not entirely sure whether this qualifies as funk or something else, but if you enjoy elements of funk, synthwave, and old-school electronic music, I think Kingbastard is worth checking out.
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