Album Details

• Artist: Kieskagato
• Album: Kieskagato
• Label: Indie
• Year of Release: 2007
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: hstisgod on 2008-04-11

When I came across the plain white cardboard EP Rm. 101 Stuff, Kieskagato released in 2005, I wasn't expecting much.  Afterwards, I was excited about this Portland, OR unknown continuing on for records to come, more unique and odd than each of its predecessors.  The release and arrival of "Kieskagato" confirmed my expectations.   Kieskagato's blend of brass, progressive rock and jazzy blues has dug its claws in deep this recording.  Though their third release (2nd addition to my collection) is by far the ugliest duckling, they seem to have brought something more beyond the face value of awkward garage rock.  It seems they gone outside the realm of their comfort levels to bring something more obtuse to the table.  Songs like track 2 Vasby Farms, begin with a typical blues riff and charisma setting the stage for a different type of vocals than your ordinary blues consumer is acclimated with.  Similar to that of Radiohead, the vocals steer the entire song, toning the instrumentations together.  Crass and confident the vocals are truly a signature to this band. 

However, live by the word and die by the word, often times the voice is the reason for the aforementioned awkwardness.  The very next track three Alfredo Is Dead is a prime example.  You've got to respect the in your face clamoring and lyricism, but it seems to throw off the balance and genre of their sound.  One of the best examples of Kieskagato and their 'could care less' attitude about how they fit in with other sounds is track six Neil Young.  A droopy number with a searing sound, though the lyrics are redundantly repetitive, this track encompasses what Kieskagato represents. 

      Atmospheric solitude and goofy confidence.  Give this record at least three tries... If you're not humping their courage by then, you'll never understand. 

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