K_Kid is the recording project of Daniel R. Fierst, an American expat living in Germany, blending alternative rock with heavy shoegaze and post-punk influences.
Fierst’s latest E.P. “Swans” features four songs full of rich and infectious melodies and raw emotion.
Things get going with the title track which has a moody vibe that’s led by a swaggering rhythm and lush instrumentation that gives it an underlying orchestral vibe at times that meshes well with the tracks impactful dynamics and Fierst’s passionate vocals.
The intro of “Lately Baby” channels the likes of The Jesus and Mary Chain and classic 60’s groups like The Ronette’s and The Shangri-La’s with what I like to call the “Spector Beat”. Things quickly fall into even darker territory with it’s post punk bassline and ice cold guitar tones while “Young Romantics” has an 80’s vibe, highlighted by an array of catchy hooks.
Closing number “Radio Waves” serves as the perfect finale to this stellar release as I feel like it encompasses all of Fierst’s influences to create a song that moves like an anthem.
To sum things up, I think “Swans” is a tremendous release sure to give fans of bands like The Cure, Echo And The Bunnymen and Depeche Mode a new angle on those sounds and styles to explore. Highly recommended.
