On Minus One, The KVB have certainly branched out from their usual assault.
Released on A Records, the label owned by Anton Newcombe (frontman of the Brian Jonestown Massacre), Minus One shies away from the usual template of ‘Joy Division meets a schizophrenic drum machine’ that The KVB employ so well.
Instead, the band spend more time brooding and pining, with shy vocals that ooze over decadent synth soundscapes. It’s almost as if the collaboration that Robert Smith did with Crystal Castles got a noise-rock makeover.
For the most part, the result is a highly satisfying and textured album. There is a deep pool of songs that drone on and on, needling their way into the listener’s brain with unprovoked earnestness.
By replacing the usual format of going full speed ahead with the dark and horrifying, The KVB are smoothing out their patterns and allowing the listener to really hear the pain and genius behind each song.
Tracks such as ‘Endless’, ‘Passing By’, and ‘Radiant Hour’ spread themselves with ease, and the doom of the music becomes all the more apparent – mainly because there is no more vying for attention. Simply put, the music unfolds itself at a palatable listen.
For those that can’t stomach anything that doesn’t immediately jump into their brain, this might not be the right album. But, after allowing The KVB to slowly work their magic, one cannot help but become immersed with the band and their music.
