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Review: Kyshera - Made In China [Album]

Konic Records // "puts Soundgarden and The Mars Volta in a blender and adds a dose of Ritalin for good measure"

by ivarmac, October 10th, 2012 and has been Read 543 times.
Last Edited by: Chris MUG5 Maguire October 10th, 2012.

Kyshera defy expectations. The Welsh trio have made their music into a mantra and have defined their brand of noisy, political Rock as "Konic" in place of any other genre. Having said that - the strings of influence are definitely traceable on Made In China, an album that puts Soundgarden and The Mars Volta in a blender and adds a dose of Ritalin for good measure. It’s fast, brash and exciting and, while it’s not to everyone’s tastes, Kyshera are set to cause quite a stir in the future.

Opener "Terrorists" is Math Rock meeting Grunge. Flurries of guitar stabs and booming drum beats mix with funky basslines and an early 90’s grunge vibe. Whispered vocals morph into big operatic moments of the kind loved by The Mars Volta or Muse. Lyrics like “we’ve got everything money can buy, but nothing is worth the price we’re paying” introduce the criticism of consumer culture that persists throughout Made In China.

Made In China is an eclectic record and jarring tape stop effects often catch you off guard. Whether it’s the brief slice of reggae that filters in to "Sex Drugs and Rock and Roll," or the hair-raising opening to "Messiah Mask," Kyshera showcase their disregard for traditional music boundaries throughout Made In China. It is a refreshing attitude and endears you to Kyshera early on, allowing them a few musical mishits in the service of a bigger overall picture.

James Kennedy’s voice sits on top of all these competing elements, confident and clear. Comparisons with Matt Bellamy from Muse are likely and there is a certain similarity in the wild, neurotic howling that bring so much atmosphere to the songs on Made In China. The guitar work is exciting as is the drums and bass sections, each hitting with urgency. The production has its moments and I enjoyed the effects and glitches which give the songs personality, but feels a bit lacking on certain tracks, lessening the impact of the tunes.

There’s a lot to like about Kyshera. In rejecting everything else, Kyshera have carved their own little niche which, alongside their political angle, is sure to resonate with a lot of people out there. Made In China is an interesting album which doesn’t always hit the mark, but shows a lot of promise for the future.

Made In China is available now