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A couple of years ago someone sent out a memo to musicians: the more
music the better. Translation - [most] audiences would prefer to be
introduced to new music more frequently. And when full length albums
take so long to write, [record], master, and produce, then generally
an EP is sufficient. Well this has seemed to go well for the musicians
as well. Instead of wasting time of the actual "making"
of the album, when they produce EP's their able to focus on the important
part - the writing.
Phoenix boys Kinch picked up on this memo early on. And in
the grand scheme of things, of their four CD's that have been released,
3 have been EP's. After just releasing The Economic Chastisement
earlier in '09, the guys have given us even more new music in Collars
And Sleeves. With this "mini-album" they're perfecting
their musical stylings in the areas of piano rock and guitar rock.
On the first track "John Adams" we're definitely looking
at the piano part of that rock. But it's not so much just the element
of a different instrument, in this number it feels as though they
took a page from bands my parents may have listened to. This seems
like the rock of the '70s; in other words, there's a strong Beatles
sensation coming from the stereo with this one.
Down to "Girl, You're Gonna Learn To Mind" and life's taken
a step back to a slightly slower tempo/melody. The prominent member
in this song seems to be Brian (guitar) and his simplistic
yet entrancing notes that seem to sequence through just effortlessly.
Nothing really screams or stands out, yet you're completely aware
that they're there. This is like a Johnny Cash type of ballad.
It's not sugar-coated and it's probably not something you'd dedicate
to a girl you'd want to actually date (take a look at the title),
but in the end, it's a song that you're going to have repeating in
your head for awhile.
"Tie Me Lightly" ends the EP in a beat that seems to be
originally Kinch. It's melodic and chock full of catchy lyrics for
audiences to sing along to. We get a full band feeling back for the
final number [which seems fitting]. Andrew's vocals are spot-on
again and with his excellent work across those keys, this one comes
in as a favorite.
For only 4 songs, it feels like the guys have show more growth
than ever before. If this was someone's introduction to Kinch, their
curiosity would be perked and their anticipation would grow for
what came next.
-Rachel Fredrickson
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