Lilting, folkesque release
Who is This is the Kit? Well it turns out they are one, the multi-talented Kate Stables. Along with providing the vocals, Stables has written the 11 tracks on this, the second album released under the This is the Kit name. Alongside that she also plays guitar, banjo, trumpet and the percussion, quite a lot from one person, but the skills she has are show in this album. All the elements combine beautifully and she builds up a comforting, relaxing atmosphere whilst telling us her observances about romance ("Moon" in particular is a wonderful example) and the quirkyness of life. To sum it up what we have are 11 tracks of soft, lilting folkesque music that sits nicely with the modern revival of this particular sound.
It's difficult to balance out my feelings for this album because it is undeniably beautiful. It's ethereal and floaty and evokes images of endless dells with flowers and wildlife surrounding you whilst you glide effortless through the scenery. But, and this is a big but, every fiber of my being throughout was crying out for little distinguishing markers that changed up things and made them interesting. In fact track 5 "Spinny" is a standout track for me, not necessarily because it's the best, but because it ups tempo slightly from everything else on offer.
This really is a gorgeous collection that envelopes you in its sound but I had to work hard to keep paying attention. As I would relax my ear the songs did start to melt into each other with little to distinguish each one. Ultimately it ended feeling like wallpaper – all around you in the background without really impacting on the rest of the action in the room.