Humble but ambient design smooths out the thoughtfully uncertain edges of a songwriting style committed to melodic and conceptual intrigue. UK rock duo KIN TALA weave an unorthodox creative web that’s both unique and enchanting, for their impressive debut EP Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost.
Beginning with Aztecs, the project feels initially fairly modest and familiar – a dreamy production of distant voices whispering vague ideas amidst a rising electronic backdrop. Soon enough we’re exposed to the structural devotion of the style, the drums gathering clear momentum – the voices too, repeating in unison as the energy grows.
Ultimately a genre-fusing act, noting hints of influence from electronic music and classic rock across an artistically uninhibited field of expression, KIN TALA connect for their atmospheric intentions as much so as their honest reflections and musical diversity.
Kyoto Dream captures all of this in its shifting state when compared to the opener, but it also maintains the now recognisable delicacy of the voice, and these personal but accessible contemplations. We also get a looping guitar line on occasion, not unlike the music of the xx, and when combined with the breathy vocal style, adds a little Trip Hop to the breadth of inspiration behind the band’s sound.