If like me you’re also suffering from post Summer depression, then may I introduce you to Kyoto Drive, a four piece, Birmingham based pop rock outfit who personify the warm Summer emotions we crave. This band have recently hit heavy expectations for their new mini album “The Approach” following UK and European tours in recent years, along with support slots for the likes of Hit The Lights and Young Guns to boast.
At the first offering for the record, instrumental opener “Receive This Little Breath” provokes optimistic emotions through bright piano and atmospheric harmonised vocals. There’s a clear intention during the entirety of this record that the band have set out to create a glossy, bold and fluid pop rock collection. Although “Holiday” and “So Much Alive” offer similar elements and may have been placed oddly in the track listing, the generic gang vocal transitions in the latter of “Holiday” are swept aside by the atmospheric aroma of “Faking Laughs For Photographs”. Not only does it have an intelligent song name, but it also echoes slight atmospheric factors of 30 Seconds To Mars at times; a comparison many would shout about. The offerings for the latter of the album continue to stand out as upbeat, positive and emotional; but it’s definitely “Breathe” which takes the gold for standout track of the record. You can imagine as many typical warm Summer days as you like, but this track nails British optimism down to a tee, especially when you reach the epic key change near the end.
Ever wondered what the perfect theme music would be to the happiest moments in your life? Sadly this band didn’t write “I’m Walking on Sunshine”, but if you forget about that song, your search is over; Kyoto Drive’s upbeat, punchy soup of pop rock will satisfy every one of your taste buds. Don’t sit there sulking and pondering Summer memories, embrace the anthems which help make the Summer the best time of the year! Keep an eye out on Kyoto Drive, they’re going places.
Track Listing
Receive This Little Breath
Holiday
So Much Alive
Faking Laughs For Photographs
Breathe
Chapters
You Never Knew
Links
http://www.facebook.com/kyotodrivemusic
http://www.youtube.com/kyotodriveuk
http://kyotodrive.tumblr.com
http://www.kyotodrive.bigcartel.com – Merch Store
Words by George Fullerton
