Kezdown is a Belgian trio creating gothic rock and post punk. I reviewed and liked their previous album and this one has been mastered by Len Lemeire (the guy you need to make it nowadays)!
The Call starts slowly with a guitar, a synth and a drum. The chorus can be called catchy. I adore the guitar play.
The Neighbour has some Sisters of Mercy influences (but with better vocals) and a good tempo. I’m pretty sure this dark one will be a hit on stage (just fin a shorter ending aka one with a blow).
Lenina has a nice 80’s touch in the start. The guitar play is really great, just as the drummer. This song could have been a huge hit in the 80’s! Retro fans will love this track!
Hrad starts a bit strange: electronics, some strange noise and after a while a bass guitar, a drummer that just ticks on his drums and vocals that need some coffee. This track is pretty hard to review as it’s hard to define it, dissect it as it has so many different ways/directions sound wise and also changes in the tempo.
The Bossy One could have been an old school EBM track with a referral towards 80’s luna park games but when the guitar jumps in the song becomes a gothic rock track. The lyrics could describe my last ex. I cherish this track, the lyrics and the guitar play! The backings give it an extra energy boost! It’s clearly one of the best tracks on this album! What a blast!
Erosion has a nice bass guitar, a good synth sound and a global good sound!
Gold Leaf has a nice warm sound, where the vocals are on its best. I adore the roaring sound.
Empty Bottles is filled with pathos, roaring guitars, nice backings, great synth and good vocals. It’s once again a great track and will be for sure a hit on stage!
Safety Peak has a sweat touch, next to the darkness and warm sound.
Slow But Deroly is one of the hardest and fastest songs on the album (despite the taking down of the tempo). The bass and the synth are great! I like the chorus and the way it’s sung. Feel the power of this song! I hear some Implant influences in the synth (hence Len, but hey that is a great thing).
Legacy starts slowly, but gets some nice roaring synth production and a touch of melancholia in the vocals. The ending really rocks and lifts the song to a higher level (just as the excellent guitar play).
Slot Machine is the last track and also the longest one on this album. I hear a nice mix of a guitar playing a solo and roaring synth, next to powered up backings. I feel like this song has been written to be performed as last track of a regular live set! It’s a great end for this album!
Production/mixing is top, lyrics are top, there’s enough variation and it’s clear this band made a new step forward! Cool to hear Mathieu’s voice in the backings (should do it more often)! Don’t forget to check them on stage!
11/11 B52 Club (Eernegem)
10/02 live with She Past Away (Zik-Zak , Ittre)
