Melbourne/Naarm’s southeastern psych-rock act, The Kettleheads, have returned to 2023 with today’s release of their sophomore six-piece EP "Who You Are".
When they came out with their debut EP "Kettle Town" last year, The Kettleheads showcased a distinctive and compelling take on psych rock and surf rock by fusing together themes of internal conflict and introspection with contrasting soundscapes that were laid-back and beautifully rich in detail. With today’s release of "Who You Are", The Kettleheads have given us yet another goldmine of their dreamy and immersive style of psychedelia as each track on this EP provides its own unique and wondrous world of sound.
Now, time to delve into the tracks.
With mellowed guitar riffs and caressive harmonies that accentuate the gentleness of Tom’s vocals, the opening track of "All in My Head" immediately instils a warm and inviting atmosphere that reminds me of late night conversations with mates. The hypnotic combination of heavy basslines and vocals that seem eerily obscured and distant on "Soul Wax" perfectly encapsulates the band’s psychedelic roots as this track submerges you into a dream-like state.
The sedative and calm-inducing quality of lead singer Tom’s vocals come into full effect on "Melt Into It"; his soothing and breathy utterances melds with the song’s hazy guitar play and subtle drums in a way that subdues the listener into a deep state of relaxation. "I Won’t Let You Go" radiates with The Kettlehead’s knack for pairing laidback sounds with introspective themes as this track feels equally serene and tragic. The beautifully pensive lyricism weaves with these celestial vocalisations and soothing notes that evokes a raw, melancholic mood similar to that of watching a sunset at the beach.
Simply put; "Crooked Bones" is one of those songs that has to be listened to with noise cancelling headphones while laying on your living room floor. The layering of keys and synthesisers that swirl throughout this track creates one of those priceless, visceral experiences where it’s just you, the music, and nothing else. With an uplifting shift in tempo and a steady rhythmic drive, the EP’s conclusive namesake track "Who You Are" transports us into a field of dazzling harmonies, acoustic guitars and gentle layering as the curtains of this magnificent record come to a close.
Just like it's predecessor; "Who You Are fills" the Couchdog family with a keen excitement for what's to come next for The Kettlehead's unfolding legacy.
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