February 20, 2005

{ I Am Kloot - Self Titled }

Being a talented rock band from Manchester can be both a blessing and a curse. Any positive association with the rich tradition of Brit-rock that has spawned there also leaves a young band standing blanketed in the shadows of those who've come before them. I Am Kloot ably steps out from beyond those shadows with this self-titled album (their second full-length release), proving that though they are working within the Manchester milieu, this is much more than a rehash of your grandfather's favorite Oasis record. Sure it's dour and a bit mopey, pub-stained and lonely, but there's a lot more at work here too. A subtle hint of jazz arrangement and some bluesy overtones set the perfect backdrop for Johnny Bramwell's wryly misanthropic vocals. Nothing's too over the top though, and it's this obvious and intentional lack of flash that really lets you sit back and enjoy the album. It feels comfortably familiar after just a listen or two, and in these days of overly-complex troubadourism that kind of straight-forward approach is a real selling point. And it's damn catchy. One of the main things that separates I Am Kloot from their peers is an incredible attention to and emphasis upon rhythm. The drums and bass share an unprecedented amount of the spotlight, distinguishing this album from the crop of treble-heavy guitar-driven releases that seem to plague the Manchester soundscape. It's a welcome shaking-up of the formula, and it allows the listener to get at the poppy infectious heart of these tunes. Sure, that may contrast with the dolorous bent of the lyrics a bit, but life is too often similarly bittersweet, and the saddest of statements often deserve to be delivered with a half-smile.

» IAMKLOOT.com

By Adam in Music | Comments:

Comments

Just a heads up for those peeps in the WV area. I AM KLOOT will be playing Mountain Stage on March 6, 2005. It is about the most fun you can have for under $10!! Check it out and buy your tickets at:

mountainstage.org

Posted by: swizzlepants at February 22, 2005 5:24 PM