Kay Kay And His Weathered Underground - Introducing
Introducing
Technically, Introducing's title is a misnomer: This is the sophomore full-length for the psychedelic-tinged, orchestral pop act Kay Kay And His Weathered Underground, following 2008's self-titled debut. But it has been in the works for quite some time: The album was written and partially tracked in late 2008 and 2009; finished in late 2009; mixed in early 2010; and finally released this summer on Suburban Home. It's been a long journey, and that's also an appropriate way to describe Introducing: It's a trip.
The Beatles influences prevalent on Kay Kay’s self-titled LP definitely persist on Introducing, but the band's genre-hopping is as ambitious as ever: “You Motherfuckers” is pure '60s psych-pop if not for the fiddle assistance, which adds a down-home tinge. Standout “Diggin'” transitions from ambient rock to something more energetic and engaged. The mostly acoustic second half of Introducing winds things down; “World's Entire” is a wistful, summery folk tune with string accompaniment whose first half is reminiscent of José González or Sleep Station. The Transylvanian organ in the first minute of closer “My Friends All Passed Out,” meanwhile, could soundtrack a television show hosted by Vincent Price, but then becomes classicist swamp-folk à la Tom Waits or Modest Mouse's “Bukowski,” depending on one's age.
Throughout most tracks, a colorful array of sometimes show tune-esque orchestration enlivens the atmosphere, from horns to xylophone to strings and more: “21st Century Boy” isn't a Sigue Sigue Sputnik cover, but instead a dizzying, orchestral glide out of the Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band book. There's consistent, nuanced evidence of layering at play, and though it certainly doesn't allow for much in the way of textural dynamism, it's an interestingly intricate patchwork.
Fans of Kay Kay And His Weathered Underground should have no trouble taking a liking to their new effort here. It took a long time to see the light of day, but it doesn't sound terribly overcooked or burned-out. Compared to the debut, it's an equally wacky trip that may not bring many newcomers to the party, but will certainly keep the celebration going.
Suburban Home http://www.suburbanhomerecords.com
