Released December 23, 2011 Recorded June – August 2011 Length 3:21 | Format Digital download Genre Dubstep, rap metal Label Big Beat, Atlantic | |
"Kyoto" is a song by American electronic music producer Skrillex featuring Sirah, taken from his fourth EP as Skrillex, Bangarang. Musically, the song has multiple influences of drum and bass, dubstep and electro house, while also having notable elements of hip hop music and metal music, using "heavy, distorted guitar rhythms" within its composition. The song received generally mixed reviews from music critics, with some criticizing its use of formula in comparison to his previous material. Due to strong digital downloads after the EP's release, the song charted in several countries worldwide, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and United States.
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Critical reception
The song received generally lukewarm reviews from music critics, with some criticizing its similarities to his previous material. Jon O'Brien from Allmusic said "Skrillex's lack of progression means there's a distinct sense of déjà vu among its seven tracks, particularly on the relentless, scattershot bleeps, chopped-up vocal hooks, and repetitive loops of opener "Right In" and the rap-metal fusion of "Kyoto"". Evan Rytlewski from The A.V. Club gave the song a mixed review, saying that it conveys "high drama without superfluous aggression", however, called it a "sub-Travis Barker stab at rap-rock". Kevin Vincenti from The Cavalier Daily gave the song a negative review, saying "The bland “Kyoto” is reminiscent of every other average electro-dance song, and it fails to show the genius of its creator".
Chart performance
Due to strong digital downloads after the EP's release, the song charted in several countries worldwide, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and United States. In the United States, it debuted and peaked at number 74 on the Billboard Hot 100. It declined to number 76 the following week, before exiting the chart two weeks later. It also peaked at number 5 on the Billboard Heatseekers Songs chart. It made its highest peak on the Canadian Hot 100, where it reached number 59.