Denmark’s The Kissaway Trail released this, their debut full length in the States, here in April. The band certainly shows their influences strongly in this record, as there are strong hints of Arcade Fire especially, and some others such as Modest Mouse, throughout the record. While it is inescapable that the band plays very strongly to their influences here, they have still come up with a pretty solid album overall, and while it maybe lacks somewhat in originality, it makes up a bit with some just plain good songs.
Musical influence can be a tricky thing for sure, everything is inevitably influenced by something that came before it, but each new ‘user’ or artist really has to add something new to the material to make it their own or somehow expound upon what has come before. Herein lies the crux of the problem with this album. I dig its sound and it has some really good songs, but it also heavily borrows from some other bands out there that makes it a little less original than you would normally like. In the end, you can’t escape the influence of Arcade Fire on this album, but originality aside, there is still much here to like with some solid production and good, energetic songs.
“SDP” is a good opening track, and “Painter” evokes very chill, subdued Modest Mouse. “New Year” takes some heavy cues from Arcade Fire with some choral shout/singing, as does “Don’t Wake Up” (poor choice of song title), but is still a rousing, upbeat jam that is one of the stronger tracks on the album. “Beat Your Heartbeat” is a driving thumper of a song that is well done. Next, they have a warbly cover of Neil Young’s “Philadelphia” that is pretty off beat but still enjoyable. “New Lipstick” evokes heavy organ chords and a stomping beat, again borrowing heavily from Arcade Fire’s sound. “Whirr of Wings” takes the band into more original territory, and the song really succeeds because of it, with a great hook and chorus put together.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and we all know Arcade Fire is an incredible band, so it is no surprise that they have served as fodder/inspiration for not only this band/album but many others as well. The one drawback of this album is that it seems the band didn’t make enough of an effort to make these songs their own, or to take influence only so far. That being said, the songs are still good, they are still catchy, they are still fun to listen to for the most part, and as I saw them live recently I can say that they are good stuff live as well. I think the band has it in them to create more of an identity for themselves as you hear on songs like “Whirr of Wings” or on some of the songs I have heard from their Europe only debut album. This album has great moments, epic moments and some more introspective moments as well, and it is a very well done album overall, it just lacks some of that originality and pizazz that you wish showed up a little more here. The foundation is certainly there for this band to come up with some big things in the future, and their live show certainly shows they are not a total, fluke copycat band, they just need to show a little more initiative on their own with their next studio album. All that aside, the album is a good listen and their live show is good stuff, and I do recommend checking them out if they come through your town.
The Kissaway Trail – New Year – From Sleep Mountain (CD, Vinyl, MP3, iTunes)
The Kissaway Trail – Whirr of Wings – From Sleep Mountain (CD, Vinyl, MP3, iTunes)
