When first listening to The Economic Chastisement , I thought I had stumbled upon a battle royale between The Shins and Coldplay, with a pinch of Keane situated somewhere in the chaos. This short but positively sweet EP from the Phoenix-based indie-pop quartet is a delightful way to get this year off on the right foot, at least musically speaking. Sprinkled with soulful harmonies, appealing piano melodies, and familiar, friendly guitar riffs, Kinch’s latest EP is about to redefine that typical sound of indie rock. No doubt, The Economic Chastisement isn’t quite what you’d expect from a few former prep school boys, but it’s certainly worth your attention.
The title track on Kinch’s latest EP, “The Economic Chastisement”, is peppered with clicky, energetic, Coldplay-esque riffs, a steady bass, swashing drums, and a bouncy flair of piano. With vocalist Andrew Junker, his cousin, Brian Coughlin, on guitar, drummer Jake Malone and recently-added Bryan Witt on bass, The Economic Chastisement illustrates the explosive splendor of each member’s talents, while showcasing how well these guys mesh together. And, if there’s one thing that any aspiring musical act needs, it’s chemistry. Based on the rave reviews given by news media in their Arizona hometown and a solid following, these guys have what it takes. If you have your doubts, go back and replay “The Economic Chastisement”—you might be surprised.
“C.V.” is very soulful. If I could compare this track to anything, I’d probably liken it to Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know”, if only for the distinctive similarities between Andrew Junker’s emotional piano playing and the signature style of Keane composer, Tim Rice-Oxley. Likewise, Junker’s vocals are eerily familiar to those of Tom Chaplin, Keane’s lead vocalist, but something is evidently different.
Is Junker’s voice rock-savvy and stylistic? Hands down, yes.
Against Coughlin’s grungy, twanging guitar riffs, Malone’s smashing drumming, and along with Witt’s smooth bass, Junker makes “C.V.” almost ballad-like. “When are you gonna give it up?” croons Junker. But, don’t be fooled, indie rock fans: there’s much more in store on “C.V.” and The Economic Chastisement for that matter, than radio-ready rock ballads. Much more.
“I want to breathe into the sun/ I want to paint with no clothes on” sings Junker on “Handclap.”, against a driving, upbeat piano, which might push Amanda Palmer (one-half of The Dresden Dolls) to look for a day job. Malone’s capabilities of a drummer are evident on “Handclap.”, as are Witt’s bass endeavors. Luckily, both of these guys pass with flying colors, adding depth, color, and a strong backbone to “Handclap.” When paired with Coughlin’s shimmering, luscious strumming and Junker’s ridiculously upbeat piano and laughable lyrics, you’re in for a treat. Good thing The Economic Chastisement is here right before spring: get ready for those rainy days by having this one on repeat.
While The Economic Chastisement is really a very short EP, don’t be fooled! Kinch’s latest work is chock-full of harmonies, melodies, and lots of piano. To fans of The Shins, The Flaming Lips and Coldplay: snag this while you can, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
The Economic Chastisement is available (for free!) via Kinch’s official website, see the link below. The album was self-produced and released on February 1, 2009.
Track List
1. The Economic Chastisement (3:28)
2. C.V. (5:05)
3. Handclap. (2:02)
Links
