Kindness has only ever done two gigs, a squat eviction party in London and a New Pop Generation party in West Germany, but he got MoshiMoshi’s attention through a mix tape, and the rest as they say is history. What we’ve got here is his debut release, and for it, under the name Kindness he decided to cover one of his favourite songs The Replacements’ “Swingin’ Party”. Recorded in a snowbound Berlin apartment, a sparse drum machine pattern and a simple synth line form the backing track, for a fantastic rendition with superb vocal melody and harmonies, which create an irresistible feel good sing a long with just the right amount of melancholy. Done in a way that David Byrne would be proud of. Check this for an opening verse “Bring your own lampshade, somewhere there’s a party, here it’s never ending, can’t remember when it started, pass around the lampshade, there’ll be plenty enough room in jail”. Over on the flip you’ll find one of his own compositions “Gee Up”, a short & sweet funky number, again with very effective vocal harmonies. Keep an eye on Kindness, if this debut is anything to go by, he’s going to be making quite a splash.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Dean Thatcher
