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KAURA
"Kaura"
(Kaum Records; 2005)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Kaura's self-titled EP is an interesting listen. The band combines modern rock with ancient instruments -- some of which they've created or altered themselves -- for a sound that is powerful and full yet completely melodic and accessible.
There's a U2 feel to the band's songwriting and everything is beautifully produced and well-executed. However, after reading about Kaura and their unique methods, I expected something that sounded completely new and different from anything I've heard before. Instead, the songs on this self-released EP are effective yet not outstanding modern rock tunes. They're all pretty good but none really shine, either. On their web page at CDBaby.com, the band does state that they want to "subtly blend the aggressive power of hard, yet melodic rock with the haunting and ethereal sounds of ancient instruments." I say to hell with subtlety! Take that uniqueness and go balls out!
That being said, I very much look forward to hearing more from Kaura because I like their bold exploration. I just hope that future recordings from the band put that exploration to more apparent use. I think they're onto something here and I look forward to hearing it when they find it.
Kaura: Malcolm Guess - vocals and instrumentation; Benjamin Jones - Drums and instrumentation.
For more information, check out www.kaura.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2005 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised:
18 Nov 2024 12:46:16 -0500.
