| A quintet from Seattle, The Kindness Kind’s influences range from AIR to Blonde Redhead to Chet Baker. Now, I would never think of how a prominent cool jazz influence could show through a decidedly alternative sound, but there is no doubt that it does. There are some unique and inspired tracks and a few not so inspired tracks. When the band uses unorthodox effects or an unexpectedly aggressive guitar, the album excels. Unfortunately, A Novel does not go in this direction nearly enough.
The album starts off strong, then changes into something a little more like a jazz lounge for a couple tracks before returning to a more atonal alternative sound. The change in sound breaks the flow of the album somewhat, but returns with “Roadmaps and Guidebooks”, the 9th track and the rest prove to be solid tracks. “Quiet Words Are Quiet Words”, the fourth track, is a great example of the jazz lounge sound. It is more the style of Frou Frou or KT Tunstall than Blonde Redhead. While I like Frou Frou and KT Tunstall, I simply couldn't appreciate the softer style. "The Waiting Room's" somber tone melds well with the powerful and mournful vocals, while a variety of instrumentation and odd sound effects create an interesting crescendo. The last track is a great mix of effects with a flowing melody behind it.
The diversity within proves that the band has skill, but the change in sound between the two extremes makes for a disjointed or uneven album. There are points I thought I was listening to an alternative jazz album and others times I thought I was listening to an avant-garde alternative rock band; as I listen it becomes clear it is both. This ability to seemingly be able to go back and forth shows the skill of the band and the lead vocalist Alessandra Rose, but does not save the album.
There is talent here, but there are several times the sound gets sloppy and seems to lose focus. Alessandra is able to keep the guitars in check with some good power (if a little monotone at times). I do appreciate the album overall, but this is a band that still need to find their “sound.” There were some memorable moments here, but, overall, A Novel does more to leave me curious about The Kindness Kind’s next album. Reviewed
by: mc beastie
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