In another review in this issue, I talked about how bad it is to be let down by a record. I also said something to the effect of, "being let down is terrible, but what's worse is being taken off guard." Well, as I found out a long while ago, the reverse is also true, as a pleasant surprise is always welcomed. Such was the case with Kilowatthours' new record.
You see, their last release, Strain of Positive Thinking, was fairly inconsistent, and, to be honest, really bad in some places. But it boasted a few songs that were of note (mainly their lovely cover of the Velvet Underground's "Candy Says"), and my copy still sits proudly next to Kinski's Be Gentle With the Warm Turtle on my shelf.
Anyway, this is all just a preamble, because I'd really like to talk about the new album, the lovely and heartfelt Bright Side. Starting with "A How-to Book," which layers on a lot of atmosphere with pretty guitar work and understated vocals. This feeling is maintained through the next few tracks—of note, the wonderful "Welcome to Orlando", which combines that mellow instrumentation with a lazily urgent speak/sing of, "Does she think of me/does she think of him/does she think of me when she's with him/I'll say no," which, for whatever reason, I identify with completely. The languidity of the instrumentation and the heartfelt lyricism counterpoint one another and make the song all the better.
Another thing that bears note is the instrumentalism; these guys can play well. This is demonstrated on the pretty "Dancers and Acrobats" and the slow burning closer, "Perfect Fool." "Dancers and Acrobats" has the falsely-serene-opening-segueing-into-hard-but-melodic-joycore that label mates Explosions in the Sky have perfected, but keeps things reserved (the song runs about three minutes), opting not to go into the extended emotional wasteland the Explosions in the Sky inhabits. "Perfect Fool," on the other hand, stretches out, and encompasses the knowingly-sad-yet-still-hopeful feeling of the entire album. It's a great song.
This album is a giant step forward and a promising future for a band I'd probably too easily dismissed when I heard their older stuff. Chalk another one up for the folks at Temporary Residence; this one's a definite keeper.
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