Emotionalpunk.com
Media Review
Music Quality: 8.5
Production: 8.0
Originality: 9.0
Tracklisting
2. Breathe Again
3. Great Blue Sea
4. Let It Go
5. Nice To Meet You
6. Till We Make Our Ascent
7. Something In The Way That You Are
8. Rhythm, Chord & Melody
9. I Hear That Music Play
10. The Mystery Of Our Day
11. Morning Cloud
12. Hold Out
In what seems like the ancient past, a small band emailed me a link to their website. Unsigned, unrecognized by anyone, and barely even together long enough to be considered a “serious” band, This Day And Age’s anthemic pop melodies with a somber touch pulled me in, and I found myself to be a pretty big fan. Over time, as my tastes changed, and as the band released more and more albums, I felt less inclined to listen to them. Eventually, to only a few caring individuals, the band broke up.
Sometimes, when a band breaks up, it’s a blessing in disguise.
The Reign Of Kindo’s debut EP was one I honestly ignored. I didn’t even bother listening to it too much—I streamed a couple tracks and was as bored as ever. Upon announcement of an LP, I was less-than excited. But when my colleague Dave Giumara told me their debut LP, “Rhythm, Chord, and Melody” was easily one of his favorite albums of all time, I had to take a good full look at it.
And from the second “Rhythm, Chord, and Melody” kicks in all the way to the closing most powerful tracks at the end of the record (“Morning Cloud” and “Hold Out”), this record is one to take seriously. Sure, some popular publications might be willing to cast aside the record as being sloppy or disorganized, but I found myself thinking quite the opposite.
Most noticeably, the drumming and rhythms of the record push the envelope, finding a wonderful balance between chaos and order. Jazzy, delicate drums often accompany choppy, tasteful piano licks and bass grooves—it’s pretty clear all of the members of the band know how to play their instruments rather well. Vocally and lyrically, the record is not quite as refreshing, but is still fantastic and certainly not humdrum. “Morning Cloud” encapsulates the listener with feelings of airy, delicate textures; “Til We Make Our Ascent” is a sensual, tranquil blend of pop and jazz. Truly, for all 12 tracks (aside from the overly poppy and redundant “Something In The Way That You Are”) the mood is sustained with an array of perfectly synchronized drums, guitars, pianos, and vocals.
“Rhythm, Chord, and Melody” might not be a perfect fusion of jazz, emo, pop, and rock, but it’s damn close. This record is easily one of the more refreshing, invigorating releases to come out in 2008—and might be the underdog record you’ve been waiting for. I strongly recommend picking up this release as soon as possible.