Splink - Kozzmosis PV030
Splink - Kozzmosis Progressive Voyages Review PV030
This Review is a little strange in that it is for an album released several years ago in 2022, There is a reason for that though allow me to explain, the Kozmosis album was a good one for Splink helping to raise their visibility and increase their gigging, with a strong new album they felt they were finally getting somewhere after several years of makingsmall waves in a small pond, Splink felt ready to move up a few levels in their reach to new audiences who would appreciate their distinctive blend of Prog and Space rock,
This album in Maidstone Kent under the auspices of Sean Kenny who Splink felt encapsulated all that they are brings us back to this album Kozmosis which was record was in Maidstone Kent under the auspices of Sean Kenny who slink felt managed to encapsulate all they were seeking to portray with this album.
The album consists of 9 tracks ranging from the shorter Bramblisong at 2:39 to the lengthier Spaghetti Double Glazing at 8 minutes 45 seconds duration in between you get 7 other tracks which range in length from 3:29 to 6:37 durations.
The sound is very good with good definition between the instruments and some fabulous performances mainly from violinist Vikki Ings who plays up a storm throughout the entire album, The rhythm section of Tim Chapman (-drums) and Andy Crickett (Bass) is also very solid and supportive of guitarist and vocalist Matt James who is also plating well across the whole album.
Splint sound like no other band you’ve ever heard, although they do bear a resemblance for sheer joyfulness with Solstice who are also a very unique band in their own right. Both band’s sound very different to each other a although the violin is a major player in each bands sound palette.
The album begins with the Title track Kozmosis, which opens with a riff that sound a little like something I can’t quite identify but it is still a fine track.
The interplay between the guitar and the violin is pretty splendid, when they play a unison line of was wah guitar and violin it is extremely satisfying and that’s before a word is even uttered. Ewhenb5he vocal does start it is very much of a jam band who are using vocals as an instrument and without any discernible intent it is an unusual sound and certainly intriguing that guitar riff reappears once again as the band shift back into gear for another round this time a guitar solo takes the track along its merry way whilst a mournful violin part plats it’s sad melody. A fine opening track indeed!
Next up is In The Pocket which has a rumbling and upfront bass part that’s the violin of Vikki Ings play over, and more angular guitar riffs are played against,
Brambling song is next which is another excursion for the violin the and this has strong folk elements to it despite the excellent bass work, it does allow the violin to shine through and its brevity is noted however it is a worthy piece all told.
Pins and noodles follows and begins with guitar Harmonics which are joined by a strong violin line before the Harmonics return once more, there is a lot of melody to this track, the Violin is the star again, but not to the detriment of anyone else or to the track the interplay between the bass and violin is different and very interesting as they push each other on, I really like this track it impresses me greatly.
Greenlands follow and begins with a strummed or picked guitar motif before the violin joins in playing a counterpoint melody before turning to sweeping violin sounds and some pizzicato plucked notes and returns to more sweeps and intercity the bass playing very percussive together, again this sound makes you listen as it has great dynamics and the interaction is splendid.
Next, we have the Easter sounding Cavendish which has a sprightly bass motif winding through it and more elegant violin lines , it really does sound Arabian albeit with guitars in the mix, a very impressive sounding track a fine wah was guitar solo happens as the track continues, it is a remarkably assured piece of music which I guess is fantastic live.
Jeremy’s Been shot is next another strong track with some great dynamics that make a strong impression on the listener, great guitar fills and a neat solo in this track too make it another winner for me, in fact the more I hear this album the more I appreciate its musicality and its humour.
Spaghetti Double Glazing follows and this is the albums longest track at 8:45 this track begins with a ringing guitar chime and a very busy bass part before Vikki's violin joins the party with a graceful section that is overlaid on top of the guitar bass and drums which all together sound excellent and captivating, there is a lot happening in this particular track including some exciting drum patterns and fills and a great guitar solo section which is backed by those same strong drums and sympathetic bass part, there is not a dull moment in this very strong track.
The album concludes with a return of Greenlands in an acoustic reprise. Which is a fitting conclusion for an album that is heavily violin led but with so e excellent melodies and wonderful performances.
Now why I chose this one rather than their last album Magnifique Eccentrique is because the band were apparently not over happy with how that album sounded and wanted instead to return to Maidstone and Sean Kenny to capture the sound they got for this Kozmosis album, this apparently is due to happen later this year when they plan to record a concept album telling the tale of forbidden love in the Taklimakan desert in eastern China, you heard It here first folks, Definitely one that you ought to consider looking out for when it appears. They may also re-record some of that albums tracks for future use as well
In the meantime I do recommend that you look out for this album you can find it on bandcamp and if you choose can support this band in the future endeavours, they will be at JJ’s 61in Leicester next year, I Intend on being there for that one most definitely!
Info here: www.splinkband.bandcamp.com