The band refer to this as a ''mini-album'', though it is technically a compilation of two EPs. Though I did not listen to the second EP at all when it came out, and only played the first one a few times, so to me this is an album. A short one at that, but maybe their best. I'm biased towards the shoegaze and noise-pop influences on their previous album, 2018s Time 'n' Place, but Civilisation proves more consistent and, in my opinion, complete. There are only six proper songs, with one short interlude to glue the two formally separate groups of tracks together, but with no song under three minutes everything feels more substantial. The sound of the album is also more substantial and grand compared to the DIY aesthetic found across their previous album, something I am partial to but I welcome the new approach. The band returns to the synthpop sound of their debut record, but with a matured approach to every aspect. They trade N64 samples and cute jingles for hard-hitting, complex compositions and meaningful songwriting (not that there is none of that on Intro Bonito). Sarah's vocals are more grand than ever here too, at some points even becoming like a divine voice, a messenger from Mother Earth singing in the sky. Most of the album has this ancient, mythological vibe to it that I really enjoy.
- Battle Lines is somewhat of a protest song, and a funky one at that. I love the progression of this song, especially the breakdown section in the middle that is the closest KKB have ever come to being TOOL, sort of. We together / Are terrifying asking a question.
- When the Fires Come feels the most classic Kero Kero Bonito, but elevated. It sort of reminds me of TheFatRat, but really good. All around the world they weep now they know it's true / The sun's returned to send us home to Earth.
- The Princess and the Clock is my favourite song from Civilisation, and frankly I'm obsessed with it. The chorus is in my head 24/7 and I cannot get enough of those huge explosions of sound. This song just feels like a big warm hug. When she peered outside / She saw the birds so high / That she made a wish / To grow one day her own pair of wings.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncBPcx4RdbE
- Well Rested is the longest and probably the most unique piece on the album, featuring some spoken word, preacher-esque vocals from Sarah over a dark, hazy club beat. Though it gets more spiritual than I am, I really resonate with the messaging on this song about rejecting anti-humanity and finding purpose and meaning from the Earth itself. The resurrection will come / Only when Gaia requires it.
3D Country - Geese (2023)
This album is one of those that didn't leave a very strong impression on me the first time I listened to it, but once it clicked half a year later- I was hooked. The combination of psychedelic rock, soul, art punk, and American folk music is pulled off beautifully, making the album feel very diverse and cohesive at the same time. 3D Country is bursting with personality and passion and on the best songs (which is most of them) it sounds like the band is firing hard on all cylinders. Cameron Winter is an insanely talented vocalist, the range he shows on I See Myself alone is incredible. Max Bassin's drumming is another highlight for me, and something I'm especially excited to see live when they open for King Gizzard this summer because judging by the KEXP session of theirs I've seen, he goes all out until he's beyond drenched in sweat.
- I've seen 2122 described as a rock radio station put through a blender and I have to agree, in the best way possible. There's banjo, unhinged noisy freakouts, and plenty of fuzz. Cameron comes out swinging with his crazy vocals within the literal first seconds of the album, and the instrumental switch up leading into the refrain at the end of the song is particularly satisfying. When the Ragnarök comes down and the sun and moon collide / We can make love in the end times.
- The album's title track is the first one that really clicked and made me realize that 3D Country was a fantastic album. It's got this perfectly executed 'cowboy wandering through the desert and having a psychedelic/religious experience' vibe. The choral backup vocals are an amazing cherry on top. Oh I saw the dead come back to life / What I saw could make a dead man die, I'm going home.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tj41llxsajk
- Cowboy Nudes and I See Myself are two of the shortest songs on the album, but also two of the best. The former is one of the country-er songs and the combo of 'chk-chk-cha' and 'New York City! Underwater!' in the chorus is really fun. The latter is a smooth, chill, and soul-filled love song that, as I mentioned earlier, really shows off Cameron Winter's vocal range. I've been hit by the bus of love.
- Mysterious Love is my favourite song from the album for basically one reason, the refrain that takes up a big chunk of the second half. Something about the hypnotic guitars and Cameron's delivery is addicting to me to the point I will replay just that part of the song several times whenever I listen to it. SOME PEOPLE ARE ALONE, FOREVER / SOME PEOPLE ARE ALONE FOREVER.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeM0YJZGMsM
ty for reading :3