Review of The Rubbergum EP Vol 2 EP by Kassidy

Exploding from the Glascow Alternative scene is newly formed band Kassidy, who are already making a huge impact. Formed in 2008, the band started off in small toilet tours. Bandmate Barrie-James O'Neill even has claimed that he'd 'do it even if it was for £2 a night'. This seems like a far distant cry from the £40,000 four-album deal that they have recently made with Mercury Records. Having shared a house for the past two years, recording music in cramped bedrooms and kitchens, this month sees the release of their second EP; a precursor, as you may, to their debut album set to be released later this year.

Kassidy The Rubbergum EP Vol 2 EP

After the huge success of Mumford and Sons this year, there has been a growing cult movement of bringing folk music back into the commercial scene. With this interest growing recently, it seems like this has paved the path for huge success for Kassidy. The Rubbergum EP Vol 2 is a delightful record combining influences from the Beat Generation and the 90s British rock scene. The first thing you will be pleasantly surprised by is their sound. Proving that one can't judge a book by its cover, their sound is actually much calmer and relaxed than what their eccentric appearances seem to be. Kassidy are a band that very much relies on the acoustic with use of very few instruments and even tending to verge on the a cappella.

The opening track Take Another Ride exemplifies this quite haunting and anthemic sound that Kassidy are trying to achieve. Using a lot of hippy influences, this track is sure to go down amazingly well in festivals, such as the Leeds/Reading festivals they are set to play later this month. La Revenge also reveals a much lighter side to this indie band as they use very similar undertones to U2 to create a melancholy and quite poignant chorus that reminds you that these guys are not just bad imitations of old school Americano.

By far, the best track off the EP has to be The Lost; a steeplechase ride into folk and grungy rock. Using folk traditions but combining them with a modern twist (obvious Kings of Leon influences here are aplenty), makes this a fast paced and very catchy track that captures your attention directly. Sadly however, this is counteracted by Hover Car, a quite-silly and repetitive track which lets down the EP. Sounding like a cheap knock-off from songs you would hear in holiday resorts in the 50s, it is a shame that on a five track EP, one of the songs happen to be this bad. However, praise should be given to these guys for, very cleverly, combining various genres of music together; blending the old traditions with new experimental styles. The final track Panic Day sounds like a track you would expect from a Jack Johnson LP, but yet the very smooth harmonica reminds you that what you are listening to is something entirely different. Although one would argue the track is too short and possibly the slow end to the EP hinders the record, it is another reminder that these guys are not just pure imitators. Kassidy are clever and very successful in establishing a link across various generations of music.

The Rubbergum EP Vol 2 is sure to give these guys the limelight they rightfully deserve. Giving us an insight of what to expect from them, this EP is a charming concoction of traditional folk and modern indie. Linking the recently successful Kings of Leon, 90s British bands such as U2 and Oasis, and music from the Beat Generation is not an easy feat. Kassidy, deservedly, make it look too easy.

4.5 Stars (out of 5)

Nima Baniamer


Site - http://www.kassidymusic.com/home

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