Brand new band Klozapin (no I don’t know what the name means either) release self-titled debut after only a year or so together.
Hailing from New York, this 4 piece originally started the project from a bedroom, then quickly realised they had enough desire and talent to put out an album. Whilst the press release may suggest the band delight in being uncategorisable, the most obvious genre is most definitely psychedelic.
Swirling reverb guitars kick off the album and lead track Head, which builds and builds until it collapses in on itself.
Next track in, Rise, has the vocals so buried in the mix that it might as well be instrumental, to sit alongside a couple of others on the album.
Naming tracks Distortion and White Noise hint at the overall effect the band are looking for, and they do not disappoint with the trebly head rushing theme maintained throughout.
The excellent Hivemind may slow the pace slightly, but not the intensity and the wall of sound - one for fans of Mogwai..
Another highlight for me is the (almost) instrumental White Noise. Urgent drumming over ebbing and flowing swirling guitars.
The almost middle Eastern influenced Communication closes the album in a sedate, weird and unexpected way. I assume just what the band wanted.
An interesting album, not entirely successful to my ears, but with enough highlights to retain my interest and wonder what they will build on for album number 2.
Keith @kjsmith4082
7/11
You can hear and buy this album via Bandcamp
