Post by jptheprofessor on Nov 6, 2006 3:11:47 GMT -5
KIWI BAND - TOO HOT FOR PEPE (Icy Ratz Records) Downingtown's Kiwi Band is one of those groups whose collective sound defies pigeonholing or categorization. Over their first two discs, Fuzzy and Tangy and Tunnel Hill, the group has blended everything from light funk and soul to reggae, modern rock, and even kazoo-driven novelty tunes. On the group's third studio disc, Too Hot For Pepe, Kiwi Band again doesn't dwell in any singular place musically, instead showing proficiency in creating catchy sounds in several styles. Still the creative nucleus of singer, guitarist and keyboardist Ed Artz and singer and bassist LaShawn Kendrick; Kiwi Band raises the bar and crafts some of their strongest compositions yet. The opening pair of songs, the Ed-fronted "Dedicate" and the LaShawn-sung "Only Love," are both tasty and soulful, reminiscent of classic 70's Philly soul. The driving funk-rocker "Reap What You Sow" is a message song about accountability, while the slow and creeping "Focus" offers an introspective inspection. The group delivers tasty rock'n'soul on "Fly Into the Night," dabbles in a blues-rooted rock sound on "Fountain," offers a slight country twang on the homey "Chopping Onions," and displays a more acidic modern rock edge on "Rise Up." And Kiwi Band taps into an 80's new wave-styled sound on the lighthearted album closer "Question." The overall songwriting is stronger, and the arrangements are fuller and busier than past Kiwi efforts. Several hired guns help flesh out the sound, including Van Morrison producer/engineer Daoud Shaw on drums and former Bon Jovi associate Bill Grabowski on acoustic guitar. Produced by Ed and LaShawn, Too Hot For Pepe sounds tighter and more focused, with more emphasis on harmonies, interaction between the different musical elements and mood. Too Hot For Pepe is a further step in the development of Kiwi Band, and this group's most consistent and rewarding set to date. (The disc can be obtained through the group's website, www.kiwiband.com.)