Post by jptheprofessor on Sept 25, 2005 23:24:43 GMT -5
KAIROS – RETHINK: RESHAPE (no label) Now based in Pittsburgh, Kairos first formed five years ago at Penn State University when singer Jason Sturm and guitarist Josh Sturm met drummer Drew Rodaniche; the group then released their self-titled debut CD in 2002. Following the album's release, the departure of their bass player led to Kairos taking a hiatus. That break ended after Jason met and married his wife, Shar, who happened to play bass, and soon became the group's new bass player. Rethink: Reshape, the group's second album, picks up where the first album left off, further developing Kairos' complex and cerebral brand of hard-hitting, progressive modern rock. Over the album's ten-song, hour-plus duration, Kairos performs dynamic, elaborate compositions with ambient, soaring melodies; driving, aggressive choruses; and precision execution; setting the musical backdrop for lyrics dealing with soul-searching, communication, spirituality and revelation. Tool and Pink Floyd are among the points of reference for the group’s swelling and diminishing, tension-and-release arrangements that often bring the listener to the edge of his/her seat in anticipation of what happens next. The group’s abrupt hard-hitting fury and rapidly changing textures often pattern Tool, while Jason Sturm’s range, phrasing and sudden vocal intensifying emulate Maynard Keenan. Some of Kairos’ compositions are more immediate in their attention-grabbing impact, such as the album-opener “Loss Of Supplication,” “Shine,” “Digging Through Sand,” “Possessions” and “Futility." (The latter four tracks are updated from the first album.) Other pieces are more subtle and deliver their full payload with repeat listens, such as “Synapse” and “Tryst in the Silent Night.” The group closes the album with the elaborate and unpredictable 13-minute-plus two-part epic “Ronzer/Redemption.” Produced and mixed by Evan Rodaniche at Cage9.com Studios in Los Angeles, Rethink: Reshape displays a fuller and deeper sound than the first Kairos album, with layered passages and vocal harmonies, clever use of stereo separation, soundbytes and more. Kairos raises the bar in all aspects of their presentation on Rethink: Reshape, delivering a dynamic, stunning album sure to fascinate and captivate. Fans of intelligent, detailed, emotion-stirring rock will find this album well worth exploring. (The album can be obtained at the group’s shows or by visiting their website www.kairosband.com.)