Kid Spirit's 'The Electric Glow of The Sun' proves the sequel can be just as good!
Kid Spirit are back following the recent release of their debut EP, ‘Morning Star’. Where in their first EP they were finding their sound and making new steps in their music careers, this new EP has certainly developed into something that shows their influences a lot more. Their new EP ‘The Electric Glow of The Sun’, Out on November 28th, perfectly encompasses a range of musical influences, styles, and genres while still fitting together well: from calmer guitar and bass tracks and atmospheric melodies in some tracks to heavier, catchy rock riffs in others; and of course a hypnotic, intense closing track for the EP that is both climatic and enticing- making you want to listen to the entire EP all over again!
‘The Electric Glow of The Sun’ takes much of its inspiration from the band’s shared love of Sofia Coppola’s “Lost in Translation”- with the band bringing musical themes of atmosphere, intimacy, and distance to their music from this movie. Each track on this EP brings about a different emotion for me: ‘Live in this’ – this upbeat rock track strongly reminds me of distance and the failed efforts in a relationship which is contradicting but seems to work really well together. While a more commercial sounding track, it has been previously seen in their Salvation Sessions. ‘Lost in Translation’ – My personal favourite, there’s something about this track that seems to stick with me, whether it’s the slightly more emotional side to the EP that starts to come through, the dreamier feel this particular track has to it, or the captivating hook and chorus that I can’t get out my head. This track itself feels to have a mixture of bands/artists poured into one song, like a mix of M83, a slight hint of The Cranberries, and Bon Iver. Track 3 ’22:00 HRS’ is where the EP starts to switch tones abit, going from calming, emotional songs more focused on intimacy, this one seems to be a more atmospherically focused track similar to EDITORS or smashing pumpkins- this song seems darker but still hasn’t lost the upbeat, grunge feel to it- sort of resembling an early arctic monkeys track- but more grungy! Its slower build up at the bridge feels like a wake-up call of sorts, before the psychedelic guitar starts to come in, preparing us for the EP’s finale. ‘Limbo’ is THE track we want to hear live! It is the sound of Kid Spirit I have come to know through seeing them perform so many times, their live performances are the perfect mix of grunge-rock beats and guitar riffs and the slower melodic vocals- which is exactly what this final track culminates within it, it is the perfect mix of every other track in the EP and so much more!
Kid Spirit have been continuing their collaboration with Bristol producer Calum Wotherspoon at Joe’s Garage Studio, having been a crucial part in their EP ‘Morning Star’s engineering and production. The visual campaign for this EP is a collaboration with the incredibly talented videographer, Zak Rashid, who has been able to beautifully capture elements of Coppoloa’s love story through neon-lit and designed settings- taking significant inspiration from late-night Tokyo.
It is clear that this EP is a continuation of their debut EP ‘morning star’, but I believe this is a truly incredible and strong return to the music scene with a second EP dropping shortly after, showing Kid Spirit have the drive, motivation, and talent to produce some amazing pieces of music, no matter how their influences and interests change within each new release.
I had a little chat with the band and asked them some questions so we can all get a feel for the new release this November!
What was the process for writing these new songs? and if you had to pick a favourite which would it be and why?
There was quite a mixture actually! One of the songs was already fully written, whereas the others were more of a joint effort. Some had all the pieces there but just needed putting together in the right way, and others had lyrics written from scratch to the music. It was definitely our biggest collaboration as a band to date and we're properly proud of it! I think we'd all agree that 'Limbo' is the favourite as it just encapsulates all the best elements of the EP and has this hypnotic swing that pulls you in right from the start. I'll be really intrigued to know if future listeners feel the same...
Are there any personal experiences that influenced the meaning behind the songs or changed your own thoughts after hearing the finished version?
When Ducky (guitar) brought in 'Lost In Translation', it was definitely a turning point. We all absolutely love the film and he wrote it off the back of a long distance trip he went on which connected with all the same sentiments. I also spent time experimenting with synth tones for the main riff, in order to get something that sounded almost oriental which fit our visual representation of the music.
What is the message you hope listeners will take away from this EP if any?
The thing we loved most about putting together this EP is the blend of the light and the dark. In the sense that some tracks are more poppy and accessible and others are like heavier and more in-depth. Hopefully the messages of distance, loneliness and uncoupling still translate across that whole spectrum, despite the songs having slightly different vibes between them.
The song that took the longest to get right?
22:00 HRS seemed to take a little longer than the others. When Ducky (guitar) and Steve (bass) introduced the song, it had some great parts but needed a couple more and some arranging. I think it now has one of the best choruses and there's a really nice emotive section before the explosive outro, which is a personal stand out moment across the whole EP.
Biggest musical influence right now?
For the band as a whole, Radiohead is always the answer!
Dream collaboration or one artist you'd love to support on tour?
Any of our main influences would be mega! Slowdive, The Boxer Rebellion, Alvvays or The Twilight Sad would do nicely.
Best gig you've ever played?
We played a really wicked gig at BrewDog in Nottingham early last year which really stood out to us. Thanks to you folks for having us at that one! It was really well attended with a wicked lineup and attendance. Plus the sound and lighting was really cool.
If you think any of this interests you, or you just want to get stuck in with a new band to be obsessed with- Kid Spirit is the one to obsess over next, so open up your Spotify, and set your reminders to add ‘The Electric Glow of The Sun’ as soon as it is released this November 28th! Follow their social medias for updates on new music, gigs or other events! The Launch party for 'The Electric Glow of The Sun' is on Saturday 28th November, for all the information on this check out their instagram page here where you can also view and buy tickets by following the link in their bio.
written by Holly Surguy
Comments