Project Description
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KYOSHI
‘Kyoshi’
self-titled album
(Album Review)
August 28th 2021
Reviewer: Karl Anchique
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Kyoshi’s self titled album sees their music evolve from their previous single releases to a fully
realised sound, comfortable in itself, and unapologetically funky.
Since Kyoshi’s inception in 2017 they’ve been jamming all over the east coast, bringing to adoring audiences what they call “… a conversation in rhythm and melody.” Kyoshi is a perfect demonstration of this concept. Virtuosic percussion is complimented with soaring vocals, abstract guitar riffs, tasteful woodwind and horn accompaniment.
The Valley begins the album in serenity, with the sounds of nature blending with heavily effected instrumentation to pre-empt the songs to come. The second track Mother is a psychedelic, beat and bass driven track with elements of funk and jazz. The soothing soundscapes created by the vocal harmonies and supporting guitar arpeggiation will draw you in like an oasis.
The Atom juxtaposes the previous track, a real slow burn that’ll let your soul breathe. The guitar and keys interplay gives the song a real improv feel, with few phrases being repeated. The chorus’ spacey vocal harmonies compliment the instrumentation beautifully. The ebb and flow of this track make it particularly entrancing, and makes you feel like you’re on some sort of journey.
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Reflections is an upbeat track defined by a jumpy, jangly guitar which is matched expertly by and energetic and sporadic drum beat. Keeping in step with the vibe of this album, the flutes, horns, and vocal harmonies create a tranquil auditory atmosphere. The instrumental harks back to 70’s prog with hints of King Crimson and Led Zeppelin, which really shows off Kyoshi’s chemistry and musicality. Leah Wilkie’s vocal solo that follows is beautiful and heartfelt, and caps off this sonic treat with grace.
Kyoshi has the ability to take you to different places with their music, and Serpent Says is an awesome portrayal of that talent. You can imagine the setting, sitting in a crowded rooftop bar in Sydney on a balmy summer evening, cocktail in hand, with Serpent Says spinning in the background. It’s got The Avalanches Since I Left You written all over it, and it’s brilliant.
The menacing bass line is amply complimented with a beat that charges Disconnect full of an ominous swagger that belies the calming vocal lines. As the song plays, we hear instrumentation that develops a sense of dread so great it’d make Super Hans shudder. The third verse sees Kiyanosh spitting bars over a beat with attitude, and the complimenting instrumentation swells to bring this track to a calm conclusion.
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Remedies is a spacey track that’ll dazzle you with colourful vocal runs and reverb soaked instrumentation. The lyrics give a sense of re-birth, introspection and enlightenment that is cleverly translated through the metaphor of a broken heart. The bridge grows out of a mire of reverb and echoes, which swells with vocal harmonies that’ll envelope you. Keep an ear out for the understated drum solo in the outro, it’s full of flair and toms.
Inner West Hustle gives us another inkling into the possibility of artistry of Kyoshi, who team up with the bi-lingual KOOL A.D. for a short jam. Mixed with their own unique style, Kyoshi put a fresh take on hip hop that screams for further experimentation.
The intro of Reaching treats us to interstellar interplay between Leah Wilkie’s breathy vocals and organ, which will leave you in a trance. The rest of the band follow by creating a sonic collage reminiscent of an acid trip. Fuzzy bass hits are cleverly interspersed throughout to break up the dreamy feel, and keep you attentive.
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Kyoshi have produced an incredible debut album, combining a stunning array of genre’s to create
a musical journey that I can’t wait to see them perform and outdo with their next release.
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Follow KYOSHI
Facebook – Instagram
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