Devil's Gate Music
Related Articles
With the rich vein of new British rock bands navigating the motorway networks of the UK, sticking out from the pack seems to be the challenge. Each band is, in essence, chasing the same audience. Sometimes a little hint of something different is all it takes to make a band stand out. The twin guitar attack from Kikamora might give the immediate impression of a by-the-numbers rock band, but the five piece from Clevedon in Somerset have a few extra dimensions to offer. Yep, the twin guitars are highly effective, and most welcome, but it’s the inclusion of some sweet sax (as well as harmonica) that pricks the ears to attention. Combined with a few turns to the left when least expected, it all adds up to that little hint of something different. Kikamora are essentially a hard rock band with a dash of blues swagger added to the mix, but then again, listen to the melancholic vocal intro to ‘Sat Around Living’, and you might pick up a hint of Myles Kennedy. The song doesn’t at all go down the Alter Bridge route, not in the slightest, but vocalist Wilf Kite does have the same sorrowful tones that Kennedy displayed on his stunning ‘Year Of The Tiger’ solo effort. Opener ‘Alibi’ has a fantastic guitar driven swagger that blows the cobwebs off. A classic old-school Sunset Strip vibe coupled with an aggro-filled, gang-vocal chorus. Hollywood by way of good old Blighty. ‘Wrong Place, Right Time’ shakes it up with it’s thick harmonica intro before the saxophone from Frankie Povey adds a sultry touch. It’s quite a polarising instrument, you either love it or meh, but detractors miss the point. The saxophone is a hugely expressive weapon for any band to add to their arsenal, and here it works very well. ‘Off The Cuff’ is a rollicking romp, full of riffs from lead guitarist Jimi Bessant, who peels off the big ‘uns with ease. Along with ‘Alibi’, the GNR musical influences are strong with this one. Kikamora mix it up again on ‘Said And Done’, which rounds off this strong five-track EP, with a heartfelt tale and a powerhouse vocal performance from Kite, a vocalist of immense range. Swagger is a word used quite a few times so far. It can sometimes mean arrogance, bluster, or self-importance, but here it simply means big and assured. Both very appropriate when talking about Kikamora. ‘Masquerade’ is available November 16th, more details here. LIVE DATES: 9th Nov – WAKEFIELD, Black Mass Club 10th Nov – STAFFORD – Redrum 16th Nov – NEWPORT, Patriots 24th Nov – SHEFFIELD, RS Bar 27th Nov – WOLVERHAMPTON, Robin 2 30th Nov – BRISTOL, Exchange (EP release party with Hells Addiction) 11th Jan – BRISTOL, The Fleece KIKAMORA IS: Wilf Kite – Vocals Jimi Bessant – Lead guitar Chris Archela – Rhythm guitar Rob Ives – Bass Andy Page – Drums Review: Dave]]>
