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| Karate - the bed is in the ocean I'm a huge fan of these guys, but in contrast to previous albums (and tours where the music shined despite the members' stoic demeanor), this one is less of a standut album and more of a sleeper. I've flip-flopped on a couple songs that I thought were duds. The first three songs I now like a lot, especially "diazapam" and not just for its Jesus Christ Superstar-ish opening riff, but for the way it breaks into one of their toughest choruses. I do like that they have become a rock band with jazz band-ish qualities and I hope that they can pull through. I'll give it time and give this band a little bit more patience, but they got to deliver the rock soon or I'm out of this bummer party. (Southern Records) Kepler - This Heart is Painted On SpectraSonic's quietest release by far and quite possibly the quietest band from Ottawa's tough, but clever music scene. A treat for fans of lullaby music, Low, and the slower moments of Rex's work with their rolling rhythms and meandering melodies. For their first release, they have created some nice, well-crafted songs. They're not afraid to turn up the volume as I was awoken from my slumber by a burst of sound so intense and full that I wondered if it was the same band. (SpectraSonicSound) |
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| Kid Dynamite s/t and Shorter, Faster,
Louder I am writing this at 3:57 PM on 24 of February, 2000. As of this time, Kid Dynamite has broken up...presumably for the last time (the previous break-up was just a practice.) Kevin's sad. Kevin likes Kid Dynamite and will not likely get to see them (unless Kid Dynamite wants to re-form to play for Kevin's birthday party...there'll be a pony...and a clown...and Kim Delaney from NYPD Blue...and a pinata..and...) This real good, real tight, and punk as fuck...the stuff I've been waiting for!! These guys make it tough not to like them. I liked this on the first listen and I'm probably at #20 and I love it each time that much more. Slightly snotty vocals, sometimes screamed, breakneck rhythms that sound like they're trying to tear the roof off the sucker that is the entire history of music. Lyrics both smart and fun to sing along with. Somewhere between a faster Guns 'n' Wankers/Snuff and a tougher Avail, if you need the comparisons. We find an even more aggressive sound on (Further enticement: Dan and Dave were also in Lifetime.) Just find the album and become excited about something, won't you??! (Jade Tree) |
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| Kill Club - demo EP If this demo is any indication, the Virginia kids are going to be awesome. Good tunes in the style of Texas is the Reason or Lifetime. Not great yet, but showing plenty of promise. King of Prussia After swearing off the lo-fi pop 'genre' due to the fact that you had weed through ten turds to find one song worth the hassle, I'm happy to report that there are still people making incredible music with a mic, a guitar, and a 4-track. This is the one of the best little gems that I've discovered in a while. Lo-fi pop snippets that pack just enough juice to satisfy and then disappear. At various times, you'll be pleasantly reminded of Guided by Voices, East River Pipe, Big Star, Centromatic and Portastatic "You wear a pager and you share a room in Queens." |
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The Kiwi Waltz - s/t EP The Kiwi Waltz is singer Greg Steffke from Compound Red, Brian Simons from Helen and the Meadows North, and Kevin J. Frank, most recently known seen as a fancy dancer in Traluma (but also Gauge, the Sky Corvair, Radio Flyer , and Sweater Weather). It's six songs of mellow, yet bouncy pop with a couple of ballady moments thrown in too. I can sleep happily to this. (Divot Records) |
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| Mark Kozelek - Rock 'N' Roll Singer The shock of hearing the Red House Painters in a Gap commercial the other day was nearly as great my shock of hearing main Painter Mark Kozelek sing an AC/DC tune. As if he is singer for the cover band in the saddest bar on earth, he continues his assault on classic rock with not one, not two, but three AC/DC covers. And the magic he works! I could do without the John Denver cover ("Around and Around") like I can do without John Denver and the three new originals are great, but his covers of "Rock 'N' Roll Singer" and "Bad Boy Boogie" are fantastic. Welcome back, Mark...have a drink on me! (Badman Recording Co.) |
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