Decisions, decisions.
Okay fine, Yellowcard, it's your lucky day--you're off the hook. I'll use my powers for good to tell you about the Southern California band the Kite-Eating Tree, who just released their debut record on March 23.
Whenever a band is described as being either post-punk or post-hardcore (and the Kite-Eating Tree has been labeled as both), I expect the sound to be raw, to have an edge. I'm looking for something with a stronger punch, a harder bite, and a louder scream. I want something with so much conviction that you don't only hear every word, but you feel them through your skin and bones. The Kite-Eating Tree's debut, Method: Fail, Repeat..., isn't that. Not to say it's bad. It's a balance of post-hardcore attitude, well-produced guitar parts nodding to, but not emulating, Fugazi's more melodic moments, and a bass/drum combination that keeps things heavy without weighing the sound down so it becomes too brooding or dark.
The vocals stay close to home base, never really reaching far outside the comfort zone, which is a little disappointing since it's obvious that singer Michael Hunter can actually sing, but I suppose that the clean and smooth style allows the lyrics to stand out. And that's a plus since some of the lyrics really are poetic and well thought out (and not nearly as generic as so many other acts that base their material on nothing more than simple depression and failed relationships--yawn).
The first few listens to the record didn't grab me by the throat, but they intrigued me enough that I wanted to know more, and when I say "know more" I mean "see them live." The Kite-Eating Tree is currently on tour, with a few NW dates planned, so there's plenty of opportunity (and no excuses) to do just that. They play Bremerton's Coffee Oasis on April 2, Olympia's Capitol Theater on April 3, and Studio Seven on April 4.
If they deliver these songs with the extra punch that an intense live performance can provide, it could end up being really good, and saying that is probably a much better use of space than my original plan of making fun of Yellowcard. So you're welcome. MEGAN SELING
Need more? You can hear my personal picks for the week on 107.7 The End every Monday and Friday at 8:30 a.m. during DJ No Name's The Morning Alternative.
