I've been diving into a few Kero Kero Bonito records and loving whats to be discovered! Initially, I didn't vibe as strongly with this other half to Civilisation II until I had the further context of their back catalog. As a quirkier, bold and colorful trio of songs, it seemed offbeat from the marvels of its successor. Released two years earlier, these three songs perhaps signify maturity over the period, however being new to the London based outfit, my passing thoughts are of little value currently.
The opening track Battle Lines bursts to life with a barrage of punchy instruments, a disorienting layering of cheesy 80s synth sounds reworked to produce a carefree, wonderus mood. Its zany synths jive unabashedly, jolting into life with sequences of notes that play like guitar solos, often seeming out of key initially and swiftly find their orientation with the music. Ironically its was the most jarring track but now the one I love most. The wildly animated nature of its busy instrumentals is remarkable!
When The Fire Comes drifts into a calmer, soothing temperament, letting Sarah Perry take a little more light with her keen singing voice. The steady percussion gives rise to layerings of gorgeous, vibrant keys. So easy to enjoy! The River follows up extending that warm, easy tone with its breezy synths making a mockery of its jittering percussion and sporadic bursts of odd synthesized noise effects. Its somehow dreamy, yet that drum pattern is so shaken and agitated! The chemistries these three conjure are simply wonderful. They are now the subject of my next musical journey!
Rating: 4/10