Glasgow-based alt-rock four-piece The Kaves have just released their new EP, entitled Exile. With a 90s-influenced sound, the band leans into heavy instrumentation and melodic vocals throughout the four-song release.
”As a band we want to be original, I think you can hear this in the EP. We have lots of different musical influences but we want to be us,” says band member Dave MacDiarmid. “When writing the lyrics and melodies I always look to be honest first and foremost. I don’t see the point in writing to fit in, be overly fancy or say something I don’t mean. There is a nice mix of ideas in Exile I think. In terms of recording we wanted to maintain the feel and sound we create at our live shows, with no extravagant additions in production. I think imposter syndrome can sometimes kick in and say we need “more” to stand out but in reality I think we stand out more without adding or faking things.”
The EP kicks off with “Mr. Hollywood,” delivering catchy riffs and melodies, driving drums, and fantastic energy. It’s a song about Scott Scurlock, the notorious Washington bank robber dubbed the “Hollywood Bandit”. With a killer chorus and strong vocals, it’s an explosive way to start this collection of songs. The alt rock energy continues with the EP’s namesake, “Exile”. The song mellows out slightly to let those vocals really shine, capturing the emotion of never feeling at home even when home is only “eighty miles away”. It’s radio-ready chorus helps to make this song a standout.
The mid-tempo “Somber” has an almost alt-country Gaslight Anthem vibe, with a singalong chorus and an accessible sound. It evokes a sense of nostalgia, touching on the bittersweet memories of formative years. Closing out the release, “Superglue” is an anthemic track boasting huge riffs and drums, striking a perfect balance between quiet and loud.
Overall, Exile showcases The Kaves’ skillful songwriting and proves they know how to create memorable moments within each song. With just the right amount of heaviness and grit balanced by melody and depth, the EP delivers a radio-ready sound without pandering to a mainstream audience. Based solely one these four songs along, it’s safe to wager that The Kaves would be a must-see live band – and if you don’t have that chance, listening to this EP at high volumes (multiple times) will have to suffice.
Stream Exile from The Kaves on your preferred platform:
Spotify / Apple Music
Follow The Kaves on Instagram / Facebook
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This review was made possible by Submithub
