Koven’s rise just before the pandemic took hold a contemporary story of a duo’s dedication to their craft, which can be seen through both an electric live presence and also the sheer quality of their releases. These are elements which they never pulled the brakes on during lockdown; their work ethic is second to none, shown in the creation of their virtual reality club space as well as a number of phenomenal live sets which brought Katie Koven into fan’s living rooms. Although having re-kickstarted a jam packed touring schedule (including dates in Europe, New Zealand, Australia and North America), on top of dropping several releases in its lead up on UKF and NCS, now Koven have returned to Monstercat following the mammoth success of their album ‘Butterfly Effect’ which premiered on the label. It’s a move that sees them come full-circle, in a similar dynamic to their recent set at Belgium’s Rampage festival in March, the groundbreaking show which brought their beloved ‘Butterfly Effect’ to tens of thousands.
“Take It Away” is the brand new single from Max and Katie, with Max sitting in the production booth and Katie lending her award-winning vocal prowess to the mix. Featuring the same depth which is notable within the entirety of Koven’s catalog, it’s heartbreak hidden in the high-energy drums, recounting what it’s like to let go of a relationship for fear of the void that follows. It takes its listener once more into their emotive landscapes which many have become familiar with. Something which is apparent at Koven’s shows, when Katie takes the mic and inspires crowds to follow their lyrics word for word. Adding to the record’s epicness, it also features the ‘Parallax Orchestra’, the same group behind the Eminem and Clean Bandit shows at Wembley Arena, as well as Bring Me The Horizon and Architects UK #1 albums. A fact adding to its musicality and already the pairs impressive profile.
Max shares, “We started the EP at Middle Farm Studios in July 2021 and “Take It Away” was actually the first track we wrote, so it made sense to start here with the releases too. We then got a knock on the door of the studio and it was my old music theory tutor who was in recording with another band. He’s been doing all the string arrangements for Bring Me The Horizon, Architects, and others, so the strings you can hear on this record were arranged by him and recorded by the Parallax Orchestra!”
Katie adds, “I’m so excited for this to be our first single back after not releasing anything since last year. I think it’s something quite different for us but really special. It’s such a pretty track, it’s heartbreaking but also hopeful. I hope people connect with it the way we have.”
The softly spoken intro carried through by Katie, with its orchestral undertones, draws you into the record’s intense energy as the record kicks into play. It’s one more certified mainstage anthem from Koven, as the summer season begins. With a stacked list of headline shows and festival dates forthcoming for Koven, EDC (USA), Love Saves The Day (UK), Tomorrowland (BE), as well as a full package of music in the pipeline, the duo are staying true to what made them stand out, with their success a testament to their authenticity. 2022 is a new chapter for Koven, but they’re still following the same explosive ascent.