|
|
|
That's right, all 4 songs from the "Amoureux Cosmiques" EP (see below) can be found on this full-length release from Kiss Me Deadly, much to the consternation of those who purchased the EP, I'm sure. If I had to describe this music using one of those "Band X + Band Y" formulas (which I don't, but I'm going to anyway), I would say they sound like a more atmospheric Modest Mouse with the girl singer from Blonde Redhead, and with U2's The Edge beamed in across spacetime from the late 1980s to play echoey guitar. The Modest Mouse elements are immediately noticable on the first two tracks, "Dance 4" and "Dance 2"—the latter has a particularly "Float On" kind of jangle, with the addition of disco rhythms. As seems common for bands from Montreal, there's a violinist who plays on some songs as well.
Singer-guitarist Emily Elizabeth's breathy, squeaky, sometimes shrieky vocals will probably be an acquired taste for most listeners, many of whom may find them grating and/or over-affected. I'm somewhat on the fence about them myself—sometimes I'm willing to accept them, and other times they sound kind of ridiculous to me. I guess kudos should go to the band for sticking with a vocalist that could potentially limit their appeal. If you fall into the "don't like" camp, you can skip to "Pop," "Let's," and the rough-around-the-edges "Distress Call," where guitarist Adam Poulin takes lead vocals, or the spacey instrumental title track. Or the goofy unlisted title track, where he (or somebody) warns us repeatedly that he's going to "bust yo' ass (dude)." I guess that track goes to show that the band has a sense of humor, but maybe it should have been saved for a b-side instead of completely throwing off the atmosphere of the album which precedes it.
It sounds like I don't like this album very much, but I actually do like it quite a bit overall, which I think just makes my criticisms more emphatic. But it's good, really. (mike.11.05)
rating
Kiss Me Deadly are a charming quartet from Montreal who were recently hand-picked by Bloc Party to open for them during their North American tour this past Spring. Just one look at the song titles on this EP, and you can get a pretty good idea of what you're in for..."Dance 4", "Pop", "Groove"... you get the idea!
Their music is all 80's-dance-y guitar pop, and the band cites such influences as Echo And The Bunnymen and The Sugarcubes, just to name a few. You definitely feel the Björk influence in the breathy, little girl vocals of Emily Elizabeth, but admittedly, I kinda prefer it when Adam Poulin takes the lead. You can definitely see why Bloc Party asked them to join their tour on songs like "Pop".
This 4-song EP was a tour-only release, but apparently these songs have found a new home on their latest full-length, Misty Medley. (janice.11.05)
rating
related links