Kelly 8 - The Union

Band Members
Pia Högberg - Vocals
Jacob Bergström - Drums
Joakim Berglund - Bass
Dan Åkhagen - Guitar

Matador.se/Kelly8
Myspace.com/Kelly8




Tracklisting
1. Now To Calm Me
2. No Sounds Amplify
3. Head Down!
4. Lost Cause
5. Your Halo Is Gone
6. Spit It Out
7. All Defenses Fail
8. Sinking
9. Some Kind Of Wall
10. Quick To The City
11. Mine To Bleed


Swedish band Kelly 8 have returned from a brief hiatus to release their new album 'The Union,' via Bombed Out Records on July 27th 2009

Forming back in 2001 after realising their love for similar bands, Kelly 8 caught the eye of Bombed Out Records and released their debut EP 'The Setup.'

Extensive touring and the release of their debut album 'The Technique Of Pushing Someone Forward,' followed and brought Kelly 8 to where they stand today. Produced by Carl Vikman, 'The Union,' is possibly the bands best work to date.

The opening track, 'Now To Calm Me,' is a tad shaky to begin with, with too many layers, it feels like there are two tracks playing at once, but this is quickly fixed and the track settles down into a powerful rock anthem that is exciting and emotive, leading into much more suttle, ballad track 'No Sounds Amplify,' that is basically a track where singer Pia can show off her very talented vocals, surrounded by angsty beats.

'Spit It Out,' is a complete shocker of a track, it's dirtier, edgier and comes complete with nasty and spitting vocals this time around. At least this band aren't afraid of experimenting with their sound, and this grunge rock track proves how successful their experimentation has been. 'All Defenses Fall,' starts out as a heavier track, using almost humming guitar riffs and a zapping drum beat, but it quickly moves back to the band's stylish, rock pop sound.

Pia's ever changing vocal talents have morphed into a rebellious, almost punk-like sound on the band's cover version of Dugong's 'Quick To The City,' who they toured with back in 2006 and have become good friends with ever since. End track 'Mine To Bleed,' is a fresh, energetic track full of flair and drama, taking the listener on a full round trip of emotions before the end note hits.

'The Union,' is helped enormously by Pia's totally unique vocals that change and progress flawlessly throughout the entire album. The band have successfully experimented with many different beats and sounds and the album is a complete roller coaster of tracks, changing from fast, uptempo pop tracks to more grungy, dark tracks in a flash, but it works brilliantly and has provided an album totally worth listening to.


Review by Cherry Pullinger


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