The Karyn Kuhl Band has returned to rock us out of our collective despair in these trying times. The new E.P., Hey Kid, is a musical reminder that there are more of “us” than “them” — but people need to rise up and make some righteous noise. The E.P., due out June 21 and currently available for digital pre-order, was produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by Ray Ketchem (Guided by Voices, Alex Chilton, Luna) at Magic Door Recording in Montclair, N.J.
Karyn Kuhl first received national acclaim for her early bands Gut Bank and Sexpod, growing out of the vibrant Hoboken music scene and the legendary club Maxwell’s. With her current group — featuring James Mastro (The Bongos, Ian Hunter, reunited Mott the Hoople) on guitar and keyboards, Larry Heinemann (Springhouse, Blue Man Group) on bass, and Jonpaul Pantozzi on drums — Karyn rocks more commandingly than ever before. Her rich, expressive vocals blend with the weaving, sonic textures of both Kuhl and Mastro’s unique guitar interplay and the locked-in rhythm section of Heinemann and Pantozzi. The songs “Hey Kid” and “It’s Over” reunite Kuhl with her Gut Bank bandmate Alice Genese (Psychic TV) on backing vocals.
The Hey Kid E.P. follows the band’s debut album Songs for the Dead (2013) and the E.P. The Stars Will Bring You Home (2016). More than in her previous work, the new songs were inspired by current events. And because it’s only four songs, I don’t want to give the store away, so the focus is on the track included here; the title song. It’s rich, melodic, atmospheric and a masterstroke – you cannot overlook Ms. Kuhl’s voice, full of emotion and power – it’s uplifting and makes you think, which is paramount in music. The lyrics are a call-to-arms, urging action and yet the feeling is still gentle and persuasive – listen to the words and you’ll understand. And the guitar lines will give you wonderful shivers.
Once again, The Karyn Kuhl Band simply knocks it out of the park with these four new songs; give a listen to Hey Kid – the impact is immediate – and then purchase a copy.
Hey Kid will be released on Friday, June 21st, 2019.
karynkuhl.com