The band originated in the controversial Mars Hills Church where they led worship, have released several EPs, and gained recognition - but Becoming Who We Are is their first full-length record. The group has not denied who they are they’ve simply taken their best and worked into a new context.On the brink of the release of Kings Kaleidoscope's first full-length album, Becoming Who We Are, BREATHEcast caught up with front man Chad Gardner about the incredibly painful, yet character building journey that formed the band's new record. However, they’ve done it well, further showing audiences their ability to span genres and defy expectations.
Here, they reigned in instrumentation a bit for a set of songs that are in some ways certainly more conventional. They’ve always been talented, but there has always been a bit on inherent chaos in their writing. I’ve generally been ambivalent about Kings Kaleidoscope’s previous releases. Lyrics are stunning and are conveyed through smooth R&B lines, falsetto, female additions, and plenty of genuine emotion. Rather, the songwriting here simply seems strong enough to not necessitate guest appearances. On the same token, the songs aren’t marred by these additions, either. They certainly fit into the songs, but I’m not sure there’s much added value. The guest appearances are an interesting addition, though I’m a bit indifferent toward them. Whether it’s the key-change on closer Rain, the funky bass on the title track, or the ambient undertones on Safe Retreat, there’s plenty of beauty in the details. There are always layers of instrumentation and plenty of subtleties at play. The album definitely feels urban smooth, and I’m reminded of the soundtracks of old Tony Hawk games at times.Īpart from two interludes ( Does It Feel Like Real Love Yet?, Every Branch (Reprieve)), there aren’t too many barren moments.
Again, the organic nature of the music truly shines. In relation to other hip-hop acts, “The Beauty Between” features a classic sound that probably warrants at least some comparison to the production found on many Humble Beast releases of late. Horns are still present drumming in engaging vocals are heartfelt and often passionately aggressive dynamics complete the equation. Even though the shift in direction did catch me off guard, the group is well-equipped with instrumentation to round the sound off. Unsurprisingly, the mixtape features the latter of these elements. However, thoughtful and pensive lyrics will always appeal to me, and organic sounds and real instrumentation definitely beats a remixed EDM beat. I have no interest in gangster rap or dubstep drops. There’s enough familiarity to discern it’s a Kings Kaleidoscope release or rather, if you heard it in passing, you might mistake it for a guest feature.įor sake of transparency, I will confess my relationship with hip-hop is a bit odd. While the core of their sound has traditionally been immersive chamber pop mixed with progressive rock, “The Beauty Between” strays a bit, instead opting for hip-hop instrumentals, R&B vocal influences, and the aforementioned slew of guest appearances. Obviously the collective has not spent too much time off, managing to release new music every year. After their controversial and immense 2016 release “Beyond Control”, it’d be fair to say that a mixtape featuring a host of guest appearances (Andy Mineo and Propaganda are two examples) is the last thing fans were expecting from Kings Kaleidoscope.
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