Customer Reviews

Gods & Monsters (Bonus Dvd)

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I especially like the song "Avenue of Hope," which I heard in the movie "Sunshine." This is not a group I had heard of before, but I would recommend the group to friends after purchasing this CD.

Ever buy an album for a single song, only to find yourself playing that song the least? That's exactly what happened to me. After discovering "Avenue of Hope" from the credits of the movie "Sunshine," I had to look up this band. Since that day, about 2 years ago, I Am Kloot has become my favourite band. Period. While I initially searched for clones from the jazzy "Avenue of Hope," looking for haunting piano and echoing sax, I soon realized that this was far from their gem. While the common use of piano with guitar certainly catches me, I think it's the rough, unpolished feel of the band that really pulls me in. The lead singer has a unique voice that you'll never mistake for another, and their sound is somehow both aggressive and laid back at the same time, with a polish that feels like a five-o'clock shadow. These guys *must* be incredible live!

There are some great tracks on here, from the intimate, acoustic sounds of "Astray," to unsettling "Gods and Monsters," which gives the album it's name. However, by far, my favourite song is "Sand and Glue," made all the better when preceded by their beautiful piano-solo. That song is "Hong Kong Lullaby," and offers two minutes of calming melody where the only vocals are the piano and electric guitar. By the time it's finished, you're ready for what I think is their album's best. "Sand and Glue" is a slow culmination of aggressive build-ups, with an acidic edge, great solos, and finishes even more hauntingly than it starts. Just listen to that bass -- It drives the song along, complimented by the drum fills and tempo-changes. However, the distorted guitar solo is what really brings things all together in the last minute, only to be replaced by an accordion that slowly fades away like the blinking light at the end of a train, slowly dissappearing as it passes into the dark folds of the midnight landscape. There are several similar examples here, but the album offers a great contrast of songs. It seems like no matter what instrument they are playing -- electric & acoustic guitars, piano, drums, accordion, sax -- they seem to be able to play them with a raw edge that shows they mean business.

If you're looking for something different, laid back, yet aggressive, sweet, yet acidic, with a sound that seems like both a live show and a deserted canyon, do yourself a favor: Give I am Kloot a try. You'll be glad you did!