Kilto Take – Resolute (4/5)
The relatively unknown Hertfordshire based trio that are Kilto Take are set to gain a legion of fans with upcoming album Resolute. Despite clear parallels to a multitude of nostalgic 80s bands like The Cure and U2, Kilto Take avoid mere emulation and instead produce an impressively refined contemporary sound, not too far removed from the likes of Bloc Party and Muse. Vocals prevail and stand out, most notably on the soaring chorus of title track ‘Resolute’, with lyrics tackling mature themes and thankfully avoiding the clichés of modern indie music.
Resolute is an album with clear direction and a definitive sound, but this consequently leads to the record becoming relatively bland around the halfway point, with those guitar sections becoming just that little bit too identical. Fortunately this is saved by lead single ‘Mimic’, which is simultaneously the most poppy and impressive track on the album. In spite of this occasional repetitiveness, the instrumental aspect of the music is generally very tight and emotive, being commendably layered and deep for only a 3-piece. Repeated listens undoubtedly pay off, as Resolute has been self-described by Kilto Take as a ‘definite grower’.
Whilst not especially innovative or inventive, potentially prompting some to write this off as being formulaic and boring, Resolute provides a refreshingly atmospheric and deep experience. As a debut studio album, it has impressive song writing and musicianship, and sets to pave the way for more future brilliance.
Josh Smith
Tennis – Small Sound (3/5)
Having released two LPs thus far, the husband and wife dream-pop duo that are Tennis have released five track EP, Small Sound. The duo have highlighted that the mini-album is a prequel to prepare the listener for a ‘darker’ full-length release, however this latest musical offering doesn’t seem to offer any traceable progress made since previous releases Young and Old, and Cape Dory.
The duo have stuck to their staple breezy sound, but reinforced it with minor improvements. We still get to hear relaxed sonic waves of dream and surf pop heritage playing around with Alaina Moore’s featherlight vocals which confidently direct the overall mood and flow of the music, whilst there is a new emphasis on rhythm compared to their previous work. This transforms the EP into a set of dreamy danceable tunes in which the instrumentals occasionally become gently consolidated by somewhat heavier synths and guitar phrases.
On the whole, Small Sounds is capable of taking you for an unhurried joyful yacht cruise under the clear blue sky, this time with a small dance floor provided, however Tennis have only experimented within their comfort zone. On the other hand, they have promised to darken this sky next spring with their third full-length album. For now, the pair continue to softly collaborate with their own, steadily becoming trademark sweetness.
Stepan Nilov
Young Knives – Sick Octave (3/5)
In a refusal to spend the staggering sums it normally costs to produce a record, Young Knives made all the instruments involved in their new album Sick Octave from scratch, using cheap materials found on EBay. As well as succeeding in cutting down costs significantly (the album costing roughly only £12,000 to produce) the band have also spoken of the incredible fun they had making this DIY record.
Young Knives have done a great job in taking the production of this album into their own hands and, upon listening, you wouldn’t guess it was made in one band member’s garage using home made circuit boards. Tracks range from angsty up tempo numbers to more solemn and moody ones, the record falling somewhere between The Libertines, Bombay Bicycle Club, and Foals.
The band show their quirkiness with the frequent featuring of bizarre sound effects, particularly the car noises towards the end of ‘Green Island Red Raw’, and the kids talking in the 27 second intro to ‘12345’, which has a distinctly creepy effect. The only negative to be drawn from the record is the shortness of ‘Score’ which, arguably the best track on the album feels like it should last longer than one minute, six seconds.
A personal favourite on the album is ‘Marble Maze’. Dark and moody, the song portrays deep emotion, specifically confusion and disappointment. Although unusual in their style, Young Kinves are well worth a listen, especially given the impressive method this album was produced with.
Miranda Toole