I have listened to the 2 albums from Kilowatts and Vanek, and to put it mildly, i am very very surprised to see this kind of quality music released by a label that usually caters for a more "underground approach".

I am really taken aback by the songwriting quality, it's just MILES and MILES ahead of ANYTHING that Dependent have released so far. It's like in a totally different league.

It's not meant to disrespect the other bands on Dependent, but really, it puts things into perspective, when such high quality melodies/production/vocals is suddenly released, into this genre where we're used to vocalists that can't sing, and hides it behind a boss effect machine, or similar.

I have no clue on how this band will be received in our stagnating "scene", since it's just not on par with what we're used to get showed down our throats, IMO it surpasses it extremely well.

What are planned as a release, new material, or?

I really urge you to check it out, even if you are mostly into hellbanana crap and the like.

I hadn't heard of them until they were mentioned by Stefan in his re-opennig essay, and following a listen to their tracks on their MySpace, i have to admit to being completely underwhelmed by it all. I'll admit that that at least they sound a bit original, but i'll be surprised if they're well received because they sound a bit too soft. Just my opinion, maybe i should give it another listen when i'm in a more relaxed mood.

Just take a listen to their 2 albums, notice the melodies.. the vocals..

imo it's not far from billboard music.

add a studio drummer, remove the really ood breaks/glitches, and you have hit potential.

as far as reception in this genre, i think it'll be overlooked, unfortunately. Unless people suddently grow a brain and opinion.

i came across them at a very tough time in my life and they helped considerably. Their music ignites so much positive energy with well written and thorough lyrics, highly unique beats and outstanding acoustic guitar work. I haven't heard the other album yet, I'll have to check it out.

edit: i don't think they should take out any of the glitch work, it's what makes their sound.. their sound.

I tried to like this if for no other reason than because Dependent decided to give it a chance, but it's definitely not for me. I can understand how & why some other people like it, though.

thasnks for your kind words, dotcor. I actually do think that it is especially the breaks and glitches and effects that seperate this from "Pop Music" like Coldplay. I also dont think they are "odd" to be honest. Sometimes they go a little "off the deep end" but all in all they still stay with the songs, I think.



Actually, I dont feel it is THAT far away from Seabound or Mind.In.A.box. It is definitely MORE POP than those bands but not a completely different league.



No, we will release the Album "Focus And Flow" as a physical CD at a special price, and we will team up with another record label in marketing.

The release date is scheduled for September 2009. And,we will try to make this release a newcomer price.

Regards,

Stefan

i donno i've checked some samples and i don't think it's "THAT" great.

http://www.discogs.com/Burikusu-2080/release/1542301

is so much better imo.

I only have their "Focus & Flow" album but I totally love it...and I think they'll get their fans in the scene as well. Not as much as they deserve, but I think they'll get a decent fan base if they continue making great stuff like this...

The songs are good and produced well. But I think "glitch" is the new "trance lead". It is leaned too heavily on, and if you actually sit down and try to make glitchy stuff, you find it is pretty easy. A ton of the Tympanik bands do this as well. Too much glitch for no damn reason. A technique, ANY technique, should be an element in a track-not the crutch that they lean on in EVERY track.

`michael

For once i have to agree with Michael on this one.

But on the other hand, the glitchy stuff is definitely a part of their style too, i like it the way they use it. - what i meant about removing the glitchy stuff, was that, IF you removed it, there's not a long way to go and it's really good pop music, totally ready for radio/tv.

But you are right, mostly when we hear this glitchy stuff in ebm/REMIXES/and idm, it's just to goddamn stupid and tiring to listen to.. seriously, you are not a good "composer/engineer/sound designer" if you know how to use dblue's plugin "glitch".

well...

i love glitch so ;P

I haven't heard Focus & Flow yet, but Rawq is awesome. The track Lies is amazing. I love it. Glad to see you picked these guys up!

----
KiloWatts is going to be in Boulder, CO in a couple days.
But the ticket price @ $70.00 is a bit much.

http://www.sonicbloomfestival.com/

Sorry but I can't see the connection between quality music and underground scene.



Some of my favourite tracks don't have a "melody" in the strict sense or have top notch production values.

Clock DVA - "Sound Mirror"
Aphex Twin - "Didgeridoo"
Severed Heads - "Dead Eyes Open"
MEntallo and The Fixer - "Legion of Leppers"
Front Line Assembly - "Provision"...

Sorry but I can't agree with your comments.

I like what I've heard from this band but I prefer other Dependent releases

I hope it is a success though and I think it fits in Dependent as it is not a typical scene label and is not affraid to release differente styles.

That is actually why I like this band. There is definitely a "glitch" factor to it, but it is also not to deviate from the music, as this is really good vocals and melodies along with it - combined in a completeky new way in my opinion. I have listened to the record for a full year now, and it doe snot tire on me - which is very rare. I think the 13 songs on their dmeo are a little too much, it gets a little repetetive. we will try to make the album a Little" shorter instead, and keep it interesting throughout the whole length. Wait until its put and feel free to judge it then, OK?


Regards,

Stefan

I think you have misunderstood what i meant.

i do not think that Kilowatts & Vanek should remove the glitchy stuff, not at all, but IF they did, their music would almost be chart pop..

What is dislike about glitchy stuff is that some "artists" are using it to mask their lack of skills.. (i talk about remixes/ebm stuff here...)