By Daffs (TwoDaff)
Based in Glasgow, The Kaves were formed in 2019 when Dave Macdiarmid (vocals, guitar) and Liam Prior (guitar) met through a website online named Join my band (basically tinder for musicians) and began going to studios in Glasgow and writing together and coming up with ideas of what would become the earliest Kaves tracks. In early 2020 before the pandemic, Liam was told by his parents to bring his little brother Sean Prior along to the studio, as they were looking for a bassist, they bought the cheapest bass they could find online and Sean took up the position perfectly. In the summer of 2021, the band met Evan Hunter (drums) on that same website and he took up the position as the band’s drummer.
The Kaves are influenced by a plethora of bands and genres including classic indie Britpop from the likes of oasis, Stone Roses, stereophonics to heavier rock from Deftones, Guns and Roses, Smashing Pumpkins with The Strokes and Arctic Monkeys thrown in for good measure. Each bringing something to the table.
Shortly after, they recorded their debut single ‘Migraines’ which they released September 10th 2021. After spending a few months gigging around Glasgow they recorded their second single ‘What’s in your head?’ which was released March 18th 2022. They have supported The Latitude, The Vaunts and Idle Comets and headlined at Nice n Sleazy and Stereo. The Kaves are due to appear at Glasgow’s Broadcast on 28th October 2022.
They are due to release their third single on 28th October titled ‘Premonitions’. According to the band “This track is about feeling trapped in dissatisfaction. The feeling of constantly obsessing over the next thing ready to trip you up instead of just living for the moment. And how worrying about the future can be tough on those around you in the present. The bridge is about trying to get enough resolve to get out of that cycle which is a good way to end the song.”
“Instantly hypnotic”
Opening with a melodic, swirling almost haunting guitar hook supported by a deep resonating bass line. It is instantly hypnotic before the tempo picks up and hits you with the introduction of a crisp drum beat and driven rhythm guitar. The lead shimmers and shines over the top, it’s bright and melodic and highlights the energetic rhythm.
“A strong unwavering vocal”
The opening line “Walking through the town and I’m rough again, Premonitions of all the things I’ve got ahead” sets the scene instantly and is delivered with a strong unwavering vocal. The chorus has more bite, the vocal has more grit, an edge that changes the mood. Added to this the guitars continue to chime. It’s packed full of melodies and hooks that are addictive. This is classic indie rock and it builds as the song progresses.
“Explosive driven guitars”
When the bridge hits there is a change in beat, the drums and bass take control and drive the track again, it’s a clever change in tempo and feeling making everything more upbeat as the vocal keeps the pace and builds to crescendo ending in the line “Rain Clouds covering all that I can see, I feel like I’m going in circles” The track takes another dramatic shift in pace, slowed right down with an emphasis on the rock influences, a fantastic solo, overlays pounding drums and explosive driven guitars, the lead just soars, its glorious.
I have to say that this is their best track to date, this band is evolving at a great pace, they bring the Britpop vibe with a harder, alternative rock edge this blends really well, added to this you have a powerful and sometimes gritty vocal that cuts through the soundscape delivering well crafted lyrics with ease. Their sound is accomplished despite this being just their release to date. Definitely ones to watch.
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