If anything, this record is too easy to listen to; pop melodies, crunching guitars and an overall feeling of familiarity.
From the very beginning, the various influences start popping into your head; a little bit of The Beatles, a little bit of Oasis, but most of all – a very familiar British sound.
Ballon Head is the independently released debut record for Melbourne five-piece Kitchen Knife Wife. On top of the obvious musical comparisons, the structures are simple, melodies catchy, the rhythm punchy and sound is clean.
Latest single ‘Easy To See’ is irresistibly catchy; even during the first listen, by the time the second chorus comes around it’s impossible not to sing along. The strong quarter-note pulse along with the soothing harmonies and string flourishes underpin the Brit-pop chord progression.
‘Carob Nights’ comes in slightly disjointed against the first four tracks of the album with a slight hint of the ‘80s with some synth lines and syncopated funk guitar.
Considering this is an independent release, the production values are particularly impressive. In fact the record might actually benefit from a bit more roughness.
The sound is incredibly clean and crisp, and if anything, this makes the band’s sound too much like the British bands they obviously have grown up with and appreciate.
It’s hard to listen to this record without constantly pointing to different songs or individual parts that sound like something you’ve heard before.
While this accomplished debut certainly has its influences, the most important aspect is that it lays down a foundation to build upon. These boys most definitely know how to write a pop tune.
– Gabe Andrews
