KUTOSIS
Cardiff Barfly
6 May 2009
I always think the mark of a good group is how they react
to a sparse crowd. Any Tom, Dick or Madonna can play to a packed out
Wembley stadium, but how many would work their nuts off when the turn
out is only in double figures? Not many I'd wager, but that is something
that cannot be levelled at Kutosis' after their sterling efforts on
this wet Wednesday night in Cardiff.
Matters aren't helped by their timeslot being in direct competition
with Chelsea's European Cup semi final, but did that stop Cardiff's
finest post-punk outfit? Did it f*ck!
Having been championed by two of the biggest name in rock music - Radio
1's Steve Lamacq and R*E*P*E*A*T*S very own Rosey - they come with a
fine pedigree, and there is absolutely no excuse why any self respecting
music fan should not have their debut release "Vultures" in
their collection. (look here pop
fans). Their growing reputation has secured them support slots with
the likes of Babyshambles, The Paddingtons, Victorian English Gentlemens
Club and Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster and they now have a new three
track EP "Yo Yo Yo Yo Yo Yo Yo" to promote.
Pix Simon Ayre
Their set opened with "Abstract Animals" and
immediately the stage is filled with the sound of edgy guitars, solid
backbeats and vocals that confirmed a band confident in its own abilities.
I was warned by lead singer Ian that their set list referred to tracks
by alternative names, so whether the next number was actually called
"Seagull" is open to question, but I can still vouch that
it's a cracking song irrespective. Next track "You Told Me Devro
Decides", from the new EP, opens with thumping drums and a scratchy
guitar that had me thinking of Franz Ferdinand. It even has a big and
catchy sing-along chorus that would do justice to our Celtic cousins,
and I particularly liked the shouty bit in the middle that builds up
nicely with the guitars to a crescendo of an ending.
"Joseph" starts with an intro reminiscent of +44 "When
your heart stops beating", but abruptly flips into a Selfish C*nt
style vocal tirade which works well. This interplay continues throughout
the entirety of the song, and in fact carries over into next number
"Treehouse". Needless to say each of these were warmly received
by the assembled crowd.
Whilst each member brings something to their unique sound, special mention
should be made of drummer Ben whose ability to deviate from the norm
gives them the canvas on which the rest of the band can paint it edgy
and eccentric sound. Staccato guitars overlay each song and are embellished
by a lead singer who has a vocal style not unlike John Lydon in his
early PIL days.
"Liar" and "Watertight" stick to the same successful
formula, and see the band filling the subterranean cavern of the Barfly
with their huge wall of sound. A successful evenings work is brought
to a conclusion by "Blinking Psychos" a corker of a number
that finishes in a wall of feedback.
Kutosis show that they have good taste in badges if not
football teams
This band deserves a bigger audience and a higher profile. Thankfully
their sound doesn't fit into the usual X Factor/radio friendly dross
put out by the commercially obsessed major record labels, and they are
all the better for it! I suggest purchasing their back catalogue immediately
and here's hoping that new talent like this gets the recognition they
deserve.
Oh yes, and they are also Cardiff City fans as well !!
Bones
http://www.myspace.com/kutosis
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