Glass Kites (Canada)

"This self titled collection of ambient/post/progressive rock comes from a Canadian five piece called Glass Kites (formerly known as Right). It’s an interesting mix of styles and ideas, on one hand it really flourishes in aspects of ambient, almost dream pop sound. Yet in other areas it really gun’s for a soaring sense of prog rock, free form composition. Their intentions are good as are a lot of their ideas but Glass Kites for me at least, falls somewhat short of the mark when it comes to execution.

For me a big part of this lies in the balance of the album, it’s peppered with a very simple, loose and thin vocals. Some of which are reminiscent of certain 90′s alt bands, which granted gives them a certain character, but that dosent prevent them from being somewhat underwhelming and hollow. The albums instrumentation on the other hand has a tendency to be the complete opposite, I’m all for artists flexing their experimental muscles as long as it’s done with some degree of finesse and precision. There are moments on the record where the group go overboard and off the rails with some of the more prog-like aspects. When they get it right, they show that they are more than capable of creating sharp, crisp and strong compositions. But when they’re off the boil they tend to unravel a slew of loose ends which seem to have little or no direction.

For me where this album really excels is in it’s ambient instrumentation, their soft, misty synth patterns and down tempo production provides some really nice ethereal, atmospheric and dreamy moments. Not only do they seem to be much more in control when pacing themselves, but Glass Kites also allow their ideas chance to breathe and develop them better.

By mixing the styles experimented with on this album the Vancouver outfit show that they do have promise and a good amount of potential. But if they want to make good on their prospects they need to tighten up their execution and mould their ideas with a firmer sense of control. Some good moments can be found here certainly, but unfortunately at the moment the cons outweigh the pro’s."

Not really sure about this one, but they're new - so give them a listen...