20 Apr 09
Kyte
(Wiki) | (Last.FM) | (Myspace)
Science For The Living
[April 8, 2009] | [Rallye / Kids]
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8.4/10
As I look at the clock at 2AM while Kyte’s brand new album buzzes through my headphones, it puts me through spiritual-like journey as I begin to reminisce upon older Sigur Ros albums. Maybe the fact that it is the morning of 4/20 could have a profound influence on this kind of “head trip” feeling that accompanies Science for Living, but the music is indeed passionate and beautiful.. Kyte’s profusion of different genres and instrumentation gives your mind a reason to break free of its enclosed state as it entices you onto a refreshing and magnificent musical voyage.
That being said, though Kyte’s roots are primarily based in dream pop, it can become difficult to poinpoint its subtler characteristics. As most of the songs draw from a down tempo, dream-like quality and build to an outburst of sound, shoegaze can fit just perfectly. But at the same time, Kyte offers masses of atmospheric undertones giving them an ambient quality. Then, as you hear the wide variety of instrumentation that pursues, it becomes clear that the music has become electronic, progressive, and holds some post rock qualities as well. Overall though, some of their dream pop traits capture remarkable melodic harmonies whose sound mirrors that of Sigur Ros. Especially on songs such as “Designed For Damage” and “Strangest Words And Pictures” where we are given a glimpse into a band that has really found a nice little spot in musical culture as the song making envelops you.
The band sees Nick Moon share a deeply authentic natural voice that whispers out, yet is able to captivate the listener. His soothing undertones could be the highlight of the record as every lyric seems to be honest and coherent while still bonding to the ritualistic sound of Tom Lowe on guitars and keyboards, Ben Cox on bass, and Scott Hislop on drums. Never once does Moon overtake a song with his voice. Instead, his voice flows gently with every note of instrumentation. The soundscapes on the album offer even more to the innate sound of the record with Nick Moon contributing to some added electronics. With all the spacey, atmospheric sound that is being made, it’s easy to get lost in the threshold of the music. Even on “Solsbury Hill”, a cover of Peter Gabriel’s gigantic up-tempo pop hit from the 70’s, the music spits an eerie, delicate sound that is mesmerizing.
The albums multitude of genre shifting makes the record very exciting. Yet Science For The Living’s biggest problem comes with its pace. As my wandering mind was completely captivated by the rich and subtle sound of the album, the pacing was incredibly important. As the songs all engage one another, the pacing slows and holds onto its consistent energy level. It’s important to note that if you can stick with the pace of this album, it will likely be a rewarding listen. Though, if the pace drags too much for you, it’s easy to get lost and bored. Yet it’s hard to bash Kyte for keeping a steady emotional tempo throughout the entire record as they have captured and motivated a sound lacking in most of today’s music. Between the bionic instrumentation and the chimera sound protruding, Kyte has made dream pop music sound effortless and gorgeous.
-Eric
