Kamikaze Test Pilots
We featured the Kamikaze Test Pilots a while back, so when the chaps over at Skratch The Surface were kind enough to send us through a copy of their self titled album, due for release on the 12th of November, I was pretty keen to check it out. Described as a curious blend of varying styles from loud punk to heavy rock, world music rhythms and groove laden metal – this promises to be an album which you can’t afford to miss!
Note: Some of the album tracks have been featured before – so for the purposes of this review we have looked at the tracks which we didn’t listen to before, but have also noted where the other album tracks should be!
Opening with Dinosaur (see below) the memory of these guys immediately came flooding back to me, the ‘out there’ opening moments of the track which lead into the track beginning fully and launching us into a pit that brings back images of System Of A Down and the like, a fast paced mix of bass heavy rhythms and roving guitar lines. After the solid opening we’re soon thrust into Patrick, a shock after the more out there approach of the first track as this track doesn’t hold back in the slightest, immediately throwing us into a pit of all out guitars and drums. Pulling back from the edge, the track suddenly takes a more African style to continue it, blending their world music approach with hammering guitar lines and roaring vocals. The resulting mix is one which is melodic, powerful, and something I’ve never come across before. Upbeat and powerful throughout, the combination of the two approaches simply sits you back and asks you to listen, showing that sometimes, taking a different approach can result in something pretty damned special. Even going so far as to throw a guitar solo into the mix, this is a track which stands out as a moment to check out for sure, the sort of sound which defines these guys and the sort of sound which will get them some serious attention.
Moving through Happy Slapper (see below), the theme of the album seems to continue into Fairy Tales, once again lurching the track into being with a sludgy guitar riff but suggesting that there’s more to this than meets the eye. More disjointed than some of the previous tracks, the track seems to stutter through itself, forming into a mix which is off beat and out there once again, but somehow works. The guitar work combines with the vocals and bass to form a sound here which you can’t help but move to, it’s one of those tracks which is going to be a favourite from the moment you hear it, and one which I class as one of my personal favourites from the record for sure. Following on with Chicken, Kumusha, Perserverance and Shoeshine (see below for these tracks!), Betterway is soon upon us to show off a different side to the band, a more laid back and acoustic approach which softens the tone of the record and allows you a moment to sit back and take it all in. Soft, melodic and simply based around an acoustic guitar and layered vocals, this track comes as a shock initially after the powerful moments which led us to it, but stands out once again as a track to make sure you check out.
Turnpike doesn’t offer us the soft approach, and as the heavy guitar gets things going we’re once again thrown into a mix of heavy punk crossed with a metal edge, forming into a sound which is going to get pits moving, get people shifting, and show that these guys are capable of turning their hand to whatever style they so choose. Combining the powerful, almost rock n roll like vocals with hard hitting guitar and drums, the mix is one which I think is going to find its true power on the live scene, the sort of track that’s going to renew your faith in live music and the sort of thing that I know I want to check out. It’s only then left for Basop to close the record, finishing on a more ‘out there’ approach once again just to make sure you hadn’t forgotten about the style of the band. Almost blues like guitar work seems to combine with African style beats, the mix forming into something which is going to get you moving, get people dancing, and show that this is a band with a serious understanding of their music. Of course, the track wouldn’t be complete without the bands signature mix of African and hard hitting guitar work, and as the track comes to a close it’s hard to imagine a world where you hadn’t heard this record, it’s like the closing of a new chapter, and a moment that you’ll remember for a long while to come.
I liked Kamikaze Test Pilots the first time we checked them out, but this new record seems to have just taken things to a new level, showing how they’ve developed and how their sound has evolved over time. If you’re looking for all out death metal then this isn’t for you, but if you’re looking for a band that’s going to make you think, make you reconsider what you thought you knew about music, and show that sometimes, just sometimes a band can come around with a sound that’s going to change your whole perspective, then you need to check out Kamikaze Test Pilots.
The self-titled record from Kamikaze Test Pilots is due out on the 12th of November 2012.
To find out more about Kamikaze Test Pilots, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls.
Note: Some of the album tracks have been featured before – so for the purposes of this review we have looked at the tracks which we didn’t listen to before, but have also noted where the other album tracks should be!
Opening with Dinosaur (see below) the memory of these guys immediately came flooding back to me, the ‘out there’ opening moments of the track which lead into the track beginning fully and launching us into a pit that brings back images of System Of A Down and the like, a fast paced mix of bass heavy rhythms and roving guitar lines. After the solid opening we’re soon thrust into Patrick, a shock after the more out there approach of the first track as this track doesn’t hold back in the slightest, immediately throwing us into a pit of all out guitars and drums. Pulling back from the edge, the track suddenly takes a more African style to continue it, blending their world music approach with hammering guitar lines and roaring vocals. The resulting mix is one which is melodic, powerful, and something I’ve never come across before. Upbeat and powerful throughout, the combination of the two approaches simply sits you back and asks you to listen, showing that sometimes, taking a different approach can result in something pretty damned special. Even going so far as to throw a guitar solo into the mix, this is a track which stands out as a moment to check out for sure, the sort of sound which defines these guys and the sort of sound which will get them some serious attention.
Moving through Happy Slapper (see below), the theme of the album seems to continue into Fairy Tales, once again lurching the track into being with a sludgy guitar riff but suggesting that there’s more to this than meets the eye. More disjointed than some of the previous tracks, the track seems to stutter through itself, forming into a mix which is off beat and out there once again, but somehow works. The guitar work combines with the vocals and bass to form a sound here which you can’t help but move to, it’s one of those tracks which is going to be a favourite from the moment you hear it, and one which I class as one of my personal favourites from the record for sure. Following on with Chicken, Kumusha, Perserverance and Shoeshine (see below for these tracks!), Betterway is soon upon us to show off a different side to the band, a more laid back and acoustic approach which softens the tone of the record and allows you a moment to sit back and take it all in. Soft, melodic and simply based around an acoustic guitar and layered vocals, this track comes as a shock initially after the powerful moments which led us to it, but stands out once again as a track to make sure you check out.
Turnpike doesn’t offer us the soft approach, and as the heavy guitar gets things going we’re once again thrown into a mix of heavy punk crossed with a metal edge, forming into a sound which is going to get pits moving, get people shifting, and show that these guys are capable of turning their hand to whatever style they so choose. Combining the powerful, almost rock n roll like vocals with hard hitting guitar and drums, the mix is one which I think is going to find its true power on the live scene, the sort of track that’s going to renew your faith in live music and the sort of thing that I know I want to check out. It’s only then left for Basop to close the record, finishing on a more ‘out there’ approach once again just to make sure you hadn’t forgotten about the style of the band. Almost blues like guitar work seems to combine with African style beats, the mix forming into something which is going to get you moving, get people dancing, and show that this is a band with a serious understanding of their music. Of course, the track wouldn’t be complete without the bands signature mix of African and hard hitting guitar work, and as the track comes to a close it’s hard to imagine a world where you hadn’t heard this record, it’s like the closing of a new chapter, and a moment that you’ll remember for a long while to come.
I liked Kamikaze Test Pilots the first time we checked them out, but this new record seems to have just taken things to a new level, showing how they’ve developed and how their sound has evolved over time. If you’re looking for all out death metal then this isn’t for you, but if you’re looking for a band that’s going to make you think, make you reconsider what you thought you knew about music, and show that sometimes, just sometimes a band can come around with a sound that’s going to change your whole perspective, then you need to check out Kamikaze Test Pilots.
The self-titled record from Kamikaze Test Pilots is due out on the 12th of November 2012.
To find out more about Kamikaze Test Pilots, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls.
Kamikaze Test Pilots
Having recently featured an interview with the guys from Kamikaze Test Pilots, I figured it was about time I checked out their music to see what was going on. Looking over their FB page, the band describe their genre as Punkle Rock, say they ‘rock til the boogie becomes’ and describe themselves as ‘tall, blonde, hourglass figure, fits a size 10’. Now, normally, all of this would sound quite appealing, but I’ve seen the photos….and they just don’t match the description I’m afraid! That said, what of the music?
A bass heavy intro greets the beginning of Happy Slapper, the sense of pace getting you out of your seat and making you prance around the room like a lunatic. There’s a really eerie quality about the vocals here as well, initially almost spoken before launching into what can only be described as a System of a Down style moment, shouted over the backing riffs. The whole mix is something akin to SOAD stuff when you really listen to it, harmonised vocals, hammering drums, soaring guitars and those contrasting soft and hard vocals. Continuing on this solid route of mixed styles, the end track ends up being one which sounds familiar yet also fresh, I like it!
Dinosaur carries this theme on, opening far sludgier than before and then launching into a jumpy bass heavy section designed to get people pogoing around the venue. I like the jumpy quality to the track here, it’s got that ‘out there’ sense which detaches it from convention, effectively cutting their own path through the track and doing what they want to do. The over all mix has to be something which works on the live scene, there’s a real sense of the live scene going on. The highlight for me though has to be the catchy chorus which is thrown into the mix, you’ll be singing along in no time. Building from the crescendo that closes the track, Stealing Chameleons comes up next, another fast paced guitar heavy track which is certain to slay live crowds. Don’t be deceived by the title of this track though, what you end up with is a solid serious rock track, shifting away from the comical track labelling. Chikken continues this idea further, opening bass heavy once more and really setting a pace which is sure to get live crowds going mental. There’s a real sense of building throughout this one as well, almost as if each section is leading into the next one – plus the lyrics of ‘hey little chicken, where are you going?’ is something which is sure to keep you listening to find out where exactly said chicken is destined to end up!
Kumusha is soon upon us with a vocal line of ‘is this on’, launching into a bongo filled melee of picked lead lines and bass rhythms. I love the sound which opens this track, it’s almost got that tribal feel you would expect from someone like Soulfly, whilst sounding lighter and almost more spacious, you can sense there’s still room for the track to grow – and grow it does. The main riff of the track is sure to have heads banging whilst the initial funky bongo feeling is maintained to elevate this track to something fun and prime for dancing to! Returning to the more comical side of things, Kenny Rogers (with a shotgun) comes up next, opening with a leaning towards the country music side of things, although pulled away through the funky bass line which is thrown into the mix. My favourite section of the track has to be the hammering chorus section though, I love the riff going on in the background which leads into one of the most epic solos you are ever going to hear – very cool indeed!
Shoeshine carries on the album, opening with that SOAD feeling firmly back in place and not relenting until the moment the track comes to a close. Far more melodic than you would expect, there’s a real sense to this track that it could get some serious airplay, it’s got that catchy feeling which a lot of people are going to respond to if they’re introduced to it! Ndokumbiro is a firm nod to the bands African roots, opening with a happy bass line and chanting, this is the sort of track you want to listen to when the sun’s out, I know for sure that this will be one to crank out during summer BBQ season. It’s almost a shock therefore when Percy Veerence comes into take the lead, opening with a Southern Rock vibe and keeping everything funky throughout, there’s bass heavy rhythms, lead lines and soaring vocals – this is once again feel good music designed to get people dancing! As if to show what the band are capable of, they finish with Patrick, another fast paced and heavy track which is sure to get live crowds going. Using a chanted vocal, this is one to sing along to, dance to and generally enjoy life to!
I love how the Kamikaze Test Pilots have managed to incorporate so many sounds into their music, purely because what you end up with is so unique! There’s heavy here, there’s melodic and there’s downright good times meaning this is a band for every occasion. I can’t help but feel that their true potential will be unlocked on the live scene though, there’s just that feeling that the band will control the crowd and you’ll love every second of it! Firmly on my list of bands to see in 2012, I can’t wait to get hold of a copy of the album for these guys – top down sun out cruising music!
To find out more about the Kamikaze Test Pilots, check out their Facebook page HERE.
A bass heavy intro greets the beginning of Happy Slapper, the sense of pace getting you out of your seat and making you prance around the room like a lunatic. There’s a really eerie quality about the vocals here as well, initially almost spoken before launching into what can only be described as a System of a Down style moment, shouted over the backing riffs. The whole mix is something akin to SOAD stuff when you really listen to it, harmonised vocals, hammering drums, soaring guitars and those contrasting soft and hard vocals. Continuing on this solid route of mixed styles, the end track ends up being one which sounds familiar yet also fresh, I like it!
Dinosaur carries this theme on, opening far sludgier than before and then launching into a jumpy bass heavy section designed to get people pogoing around the venue. I like the jumpy quality to the track here, it’s got that ‘out there’ sense which detaches it from convention, effectively cutting their own path through the track and doing what they want to do. The over all mix has to be something which works on the live scene, there’s a real sense of the live scene going on. The highlight for me though has to be the catchy chorus which is thrown into the mix, you’ll be singing along in no time. Building from the crescendo that closes the track, Stealing Chameleons comes up next, another fast paced guitar heavy track which is certain to slay live crowds. Don’t be deceived by the title of this track though, what you end up with is a solid serious rock track, shifting away from the comical track labelling. Chikken continues this idea further, opening bass heavy once more and really setting a pace which is sure to get live crowds going mental. There’s a real sense of building throughout this one as well, almost as if each section is leading into the next one – plus the lyrics of ‘hey little chicken, where are you going?’ is something which is sure to keep you listening to find out where exactly said chicken is destined to end up!
Kumusha is soon upon us with a vocal line of ‘is this on’, launching into a bongo filled melee of picked lead lines and bass rhythms. I love the sound which opens this track, it’s almost got that tribal feel you would expect from someone like Soulfly, whilst sounding lighter and almost more spacious, you can sense there’s still room for the track to grow – and grow it does. The main riff of the track is sure to have heads banging whilst the initial funky bongo feeling is maintained to elevate this track to something fun and prime for dancing to! Returning to the more comical side of things, Kenny Rogers (with a shotgun) comes up next, opening with a leaning towards the country music side of things, although pulled away through the funky bass line which is thrown into the mix. My favourite section of the track has to be the hammering chorus section though, I love the riff going on in the background which leads into one of the most epic solos you are ever going to hear – very cool indeed!
Shoeshine carries on the album, opening with that SOAD feeling firmly back in place and not relenting until the moment the track comes to a close. Far more melodic than you would expect, there’s a real sense to this track that it could get some serious airplay, it’s got that catchy feeling which a lot of people are going to respond to if they’re introduced to it! Ndokumbiro is a firm nod to the bands African roots, opening with a happy bass line and chanting, this is the sort of track you want to listen to when the sun’s out, I know for sure that this will be one to crank out during summer BBQ season. It’s almost a shock therefore when Percy Veerence comes into take the lead, opening with a Southern Rock vibe and keeping everything funky throughout, there’s bass heavy rhythms, lead lines and soaring vocals – this is once again feel good music designed to get people dancing! As if to show what the band are capable of, they finish with Patrick, another fast paced and heavy track which is sure to get live crowds going. Using a chanted vocal, this is one to sing along to, dance to and generally enjoy life to!
I love how the Kamikaze Test Pilots have managed to incorporate so many sounds into their music, purely because what you end up with is so unique! There’s heavy here, there’s melodic and there’s downright good times meaning this is a band for every occasion. I can’t help but feel that their true potential will be unlocked on the live scene though, there’s just that feeling that the band will control the crowd and you’ll love every second of it! Firmly on my list of bands to see in 2012, I can’t wait to get hold of a copy of the album for these guys – top down sun out cruising music!
To find out more about the Kamikaze Test Pilots, check out their Facebook page HERE.