MAP OF THE UNIVERSE

I have to confess that I committed the cardinal sin of mistakenly assuming this album to be by a different band. This is not in fact the follow up to the fine 2005 album "Picture" by the UK prog supergroup Kino. This is actually the sole release by Turkish born, USA resident KiNo (note the alternating case).

KiNo plays all the instruments on the album himself with the exception of the rhythm section and guest horns. The music is light in nature, KiNo's high vocals having a deceptively 60's pop flavour. It is though the eclectic nature of the melodies which distinguish the album. Those melodies can at times seem rather infectious, but their constant metamorphosis means that they are difficult to pin down.

The tracks are all short, the longest running to just over 5 minutes. Often, such as on "Won't do" there are overtones of the new wave sounds which would have been developing during the artist's formative years. Another possible influence is the sophisto-pop of bands such as 10cc.

While the styles and sounds are diverse, the album is largely single paced, largely devoid of full on rock songs or softer ballads. This can tend to result in a one dimensional feel, despite the aforementioned diversity. Overall though, a fine first album which shows considerable promise.

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