Lead singer Ian Kenny’s two bands, already quite distinctive from each other, are taking even more divergent paths lately. As Karnivool get deeper, darker, heavier and more progressive (by all accounts their new record is shaping up this way), Birds Of Tokyo become more mellow and peaceful. At the end of the day music is all about mood. Whereas Karnivool are a band to completely immerse yourself in, March Fires is music to chill out to, maybe with a beer, a few mates and the back porch on a warm day, when you don’t want anything too intrusive. The songs are eminently catchy, and barely get out of second gear, aurally or tempo-wise. Every track is a serene anthem. This album is closer to Coldplay than Karnivool.
The funny thing about Kenny is that his voices sooths you no matter which of his two bands he is fronting at the time, and he is in fine fettle on this record. There’s virtually no up tempo rock on this album, unlike their Universes album of 2008. Their self-titled third record of 2010 hinted at a more sedate direction, and that has come to full fruition on March Fires. More mainstream awards beckon for this, a most accessible of alternative rock bands.
BY ROD WHITFIELD
Best Track: White Leaves
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: SNOW PATROL, TRAVIS, OASIS
In A Word: Delicate
