If you’re not familiar with The Cynz, here’s the short version: they’ve been honing their craft around the New York City-area for over a decade and have built a strong and passionate following. They’re something of a throwback to the garage-punk era (think early CBGB’s). Driven by vocalist Cyndi Dawson and guitarist Henry Seiz, they’ve released several E.P.’s and an album. This new album, Karmic Destiny, is a direct nod to the longevity of the band, through good times and bad.
“Face Another Day” is a stunning moment for the band – less throttle and greater focus on the melody, structure and performance – the emotional delivery in Cyndi Dawson’s voice is evident; the tasteful acoustic underbody and the harmonies are absolutely stellar (and a nice use of organ to embellish, not overwhelm the track, is just right); “I’m Still Here” is a neat, classic-style pop-rocker, with well-placed saxophones (another wise move!) and “Break The Hold” is a dynamic rocker (complete with hand claps, which I love!) – a great throwback to “good old rock & roll”. “Run From The Fire”, with its multi-tracked vocals and instantly catchy riff has a dynamic tension that allows the song to build and explode; “Questions Questions” is familiar in that Smithereens/R.E.M.-style, which I love – a winning formula of minor chords, acoustic guitars and passionate vocals that you feel and “Girl That Comes First” is their “’60’s moment” – a heartbreaking yet staggering moment of everything executed perfectly.
I’ve listened to The Cynz for the better part of the last seven years and I can easily say this is the best work they’ve done thus far. It’s a band that has begun to shed themselves of one skin and slip on – with comfort – new musical garb, which suits them well. They haven’t made the mistake that so many others do – there is no overreaching into terrain that may be too much of a stretch. The Cynz have simply and organically grown in leaps and bounds and this new direction is one that I hope will continue to flourish.
Karmic Destiny is currently available
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