 Kinski
Spiral
"Hymns and Fragments" CDR
Cut
And Paste
Genres: lo-fi, indie pop, dream pop
e-mail
the label
June 17 - 23 2002 |
Hymns
and Fragments is an excellent collection of lo-fi pop gems from
Ohio outfit Kinski Spiral. While nothing on this cd-r rocks
out, the music has a sort of Smog-esque charm, using minor keys
and dark, moody textures to produce some surprisingly catchy tunes.
"Can't Wait 'Till Summer" is one of these tunes, and it
succeeds especially well simply because it's loaded with hooks - it's
easily hummable and extraordinarily fun. Like early Guided By
Voices material, the band chooses to relish their technological
confinements instead of weakening under them. And while this approach
may stove off those accustomed to production-heavy affairs, those
interested in the DIY style will find this very appealing.
"Leaving Well Enough Alone" displays Kinski Spiral
at their best. Minor chords and half-singing characterize the song,
but the real treasure lies in the irresistible songwriting. Falling
somewhere in between GBV-alumnus Tobin Sprout and
country-tinged pop depressionist Songs: Ohia, the band has
written a song that's both uppity and eerily depressing at the same
time. When the final strokes of the guitar conclude the track, you're
sent up to pure lo-fi heaven.
It's these songs, and the short instrumentals that are scattered
throughout the thirteen-track collection, that makes Hymns and
Fragments so successful. It's just more evidence that Cut and
Paste Records is the best non-profit DIY label out there.
85%
Matt Shimmer [Vitals:
49 min 56 sec; 13 tracks; distributed by the
label; released 2001] |
