Quick Hitters:: Kites Overhead In the Shadow of the Mountain

Stumbling on a small, one man band like Kites Overhead is kind of why writing a blog is worthwhile. For every 50 PR mass-mail we get filled with sounds-like and buzz words, we probably get one or two honest submissions from artists like Gene Kondusky. Gene didn't try to lure us in with cliches or press quotes, he simply asked if we'd like to listen and appreciated any time we could offer.

After a few listens to his songs, it was obvious that the experience was definitely worth our time and then some. The 3-song EP he sent over - In the Shadow of the Mountain - was a unique look into the heart of a man finding freedom in isolation. Gene wrote and recorded the songs living in the Arctic, but the focus of the EP (two songs from his upcoming album and a nice Magnetic Fields cover) was to free himself from the restrictions of only recording what he could play himself on stage with loops and his own two hands.

Distinguishing the studio from the stage allowed Gene is able to focus on simply writing songs. In the Shadow of the Mountain is a cinematic instrumental that surges with power but is filled with intricate textures that keep your attention. His acoustic guitar starts the track, but electronic pulses, drums and loops soon stand alongside the simple notes and slowly the song grows with the the joy of freedom, not the added weight of forced importance. Obviously this type of effort would be hard to replicate alone on stage, but it sounds great in your headphones.

The second two songs on the EP are more standard in sound and arrangement, but still equally enjoyable. Thaw builds slowly, organically and you feel almost as if Gene is giving a slight tip of the cap to one of his influences (Sigur Ros). The restrained pace and dual language really adds to the atmospheric vibe of the track, and the female harmonies are a nice add. The EP closer is a more spirited take on the classic Magnetic Fields track, Grand Canyon. Gene picks up the pace and adds a bit more weight to the song. Instead of the bleak outlook you get from Merrit's sad baritone, you take some hope from the song and wonder if just maybe she can actually love him that way again.

Kites Overhead is getting ready to release a full-length in a few weeks, so in the mean time grab the free EP and enjoy.

MP3:: Kites Overhead - In the Shadow of the Mountain

MP3:: Kites Overhead - Grand Canyon (Magnetic Fields cover)

MYSPACE:: http://kitesoverhead.com/
D/L:: http://homeisnothere.com/

Labels: Canada, Kites Overhead, Music, New Brunswick, Quick Hitters