Single Review: Kassidy – ‘The Rubbergum EP Vol. 2’
3 min read
Kassidy are Scotland’s latest sons of commercial folk who have been enjoying mainstream success since their formation back in 2008. Following the release of Rubbergum EP Vol. 1, Kassidy have been busy creating their swift follow up, Rubbergum EP Vol. 2, which saw its release on August 16th.
Kassidy refine folk music and play their part in pulling it back into the mainstream. With the likes of fellow folk inspired acts including Laura Marling, Noah and the Whale, Mumford and Sons and Lissie, who Kassidy recently finished a successful tour with, this foursome show no signs of going anywhere having recently signed a lucrative four album deal with Mercury records.
With the Scottish band’s first full length record due for release later in the year, Rubbergum EP Vol. 2 is the follow up to this years earlier Rubbergum EP Vol. 1 release and sees the guitar maestros basking in all things brilliant and creating musical artistry throughout this latest five track collection.
What is truly inspiring about the band, which is made up of Barie-James O’Neill, Hamish Fingland, Lewis Andrew and Chris Potter, is that they are as tight as bands come. Listening to a Kassidy record you can hear that each member is highly connected to the sound and energy that is created from the music they write and play. The songs on a Kassidy record, particularly the Rubbergum EP Vol. 2 are expressive and empowering and are drenched in credence. Despite the bands rock god appearance the EP features a lot less rock and a lot more gentle folk and a cappella tunes with the occasional appearance by the bands charming harmonica.
The first track featured on the EP is Take Another Ride. This number has been chosen to front the EP and has already shown to be a fan favourite. With an orgy of guitars and choir like backing vocals, it’s an accelerated start to the EP which sees the full use of the bands acoustic guitar talents shaped over a subtle yet effective backdrop of electric guitar riffs.
The Lost and La Revenge are both anthemic in delivery with a rawness about them that wreaks of Americana eloquence. The haunting fusion of guitar work and almost chanting vocals add further fuel to the bands epic acoustic sound and generates two incredibly well crafted tracks.
Hover Car takes the wheel and is a futuristic addition to the EP though also adds a slight dip in the record. It brings an inane feel to the EP which is a shame, however, saying this the number ain’t too bad. While the song bleets repetitively throughout the chorus “I’ll be driving in my hover car” the melody is rather catchy and is assembled over some twisting guitar work and an a capella harmonized ending.
Panic Day is a humorous song with lashings of witty lyrics and is a close resemblance to the music by fellow acoustic master of the guitar, Newton Faulkner. The track ends the EP on a high note and also leaves you wanting more from the Scottish band. Unfortunately we will have to wait a while longer for the full length release but if the quality of songs on the album are to be anything like those on the Rubberum EP Vol. 2, it will be well worth the wait.This EP is a must have for anyone with a appreciation for quality songwriting and pure genius melodies.
The lads are set to play this years Leeds and Reading Festivals but if you aren’t attending either of these events, they are set to play Borderline in October for a showcase of the tracks featured on the EP.
::: RenownedForSound.com’s Editor and Founder –
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