Rough Edge: KTU CD Reviews

KTU

"Quiver" (Hoedown/7dMedia; 2009)

KTU is truly a progressive outfit as the songs are not what you’d readily expect from any rock band. And that last sentence centers on the fact that Kimmo Pohjonen is the featured artist of KTU – and he plays the accordion. However, the KTU album “Quiver” is certainly heavy enough and rocks hard enough to be considered for Rough Edge.

KTU, in addition to featuring Pohjonen, is also comprised of Trey Gunn of Warr guitar fame and master-percussionist Pat Mastelotto. Trey Gunn never ceases to amaze with his guitar work and Mastelotto doesn’t play drums so much as he creates rhythms conducive to the musical ideal.

The songwriting credits suggest that KTU is more of a collaborative effort than a Pohjonen-driven project – and that’s a good thing. Pohjonen’s accordion paints vivid pictures that borrow from sci-fi sounds and Arabian melodies as much as his own seemingly fertile imagination to create songs that are varied, entertaining, and a treat for the ears. Combing with Gunn’s Warr guitar histronics and Mastelotto’s never ending supply of interesting rhythms KTU is a surprise out-of-the-gate until the last note.

“Quiver” was produced by Philip Page. Engineered by Pat Manske with mixing by KTU, Petri Jajuri, and Steven Wilson (yes, that Steven Wilson).

KTU: Kimmo Pohjonen on accordion and voice, Trey Gunn on Warr guitar, and Pat Mastelotto on rhythmic devices, beats and noises.

For more information, check out http://www.myspace.com/ktuband.

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.

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