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7 out of 10
After listening to Demons and Angels in its entirety it strikes me that Kinky Retro have no distinguishable sound. It's not like when the new song by The Strokes comes on the radio and whether you're a fan or not, you know instantly who it is.
Don't think that's a negative criticism, however. Who needs a distinguishable sound when you are capable of going from piano based sentimentality to riff heavy rock out in one 8 track EP?
This is clearly a band who isn't concerned with trying to attract a certain crowd and they are difficult to pigeonhole. There's obviously a lot of thought behind the music and each song has substance. They don't rely on the lyrics alone to convey the message intended.
On tracks like 'Cocaine' and 'Paranoia' they aren't just self indulgently recounting tales from personal experience accompanied by a formulaic 3 minute soundtrack. It feels as if they're trying to instill the feeling of the songs subject matter to the listener paying attention to some of the basic things that many bands overlook, like strategic changes in pace and volume throughout the track.
'Amsterdam' is the mellow song (it has a cello in it) and it's the song that really shows the versatility of lead singer, Graham Tyson's voice. I guess he proves that he's capable of serenading you as easily as he could scream in your face to intimidate you.
I wouldn't go as far to say that they have a unique sound as almost every track could make you think "that sounds a bit like." and it's likely to appeal to people who listen to a lot of Alice in Chains and early Pearl Jam but the sound is varied enough that, simply put; if you like music with guitars and drums then it's worth a listen.
Listen: www.myspace.com/kinkyretro
Tracklist:
1. The Rising
2. For You
3. Cocaine
4. Pray 2 No 1
5. Amsterdam
6. Angel
7. Paranoia
8. So Sure
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