Customer Reviews

March Forth

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was lured in by Courtney Kaiser's voice on "Oh No" (as well as by the wonderful detuning on that track, and, special credit to Courtney's cleft chin in the wonderful video for that same tune), and I am now nicely trapped as a fan of both KaiserCartel and Courtney Kaiser.

KaiserCartel could perhaps be called folk, if by folk you mean folks like Deb Talan, The Weepies, Meg Hutchinson, etc. If folk could be said to veer into country or veer into city, I'd say there's a bit of a city edge, though it not overt like it is with their excellent label-mate Swati ("Small Gods").

The sound quality of this album is fantastic. While the vocals and most of the wide variety of acoustic instruments are intimate, there's also a deep drum under some tracks that adds an absolutely immense space around you - it's like being at a private, up-close performance in the center of an abandoned warehouse. Fantastic.

If I had the slightest criticism about KaiserCartel, it would be that I want them to try it faster and harder sometime! They've got the restrained tempo down pat like experts, but it feels like they want to break out with a couple hard rocking numbers and I wish they would.

Be sure to get KaiserCartel's first CD "Double Standard" -- still available from cd baby -- while you can. And get Courtney Kaiser's under-noticed solo album here on Amazon (where it goes for as little as a cent!). Lastly, you can try tracking down her "H21" album she recorded under the unusual name Eeqwa, but honestly that will be a tough one to find. I got mine, so it is possible. I also believe there's one non-album track on the single for "Okay".

Courtney Kaiser also appears as supporting vocals on some other albums but they just don't have the brilliance of her solo and KaiserCartel work.

I haven't yet tried the Kartel half of the duo yet, but I may.

These artists have obviously tried being in a lot of different bands over the years. But this is it. This is the band to buy. There's more than the promise of talent here, it is the promise delivered.

I seen them live a few times and love their earlier EPs, all of which are less "produced" than this CD. I'm happy to say that either their "raw" sound or this slightly more produced sound is awesome. Very warm.

Saw them last night in New Orleans. She has a great voice and the two of them put on a solid show, without attitude. Picked up their CD there and having listened to it, it think they could think bigger and take more chances. There is a lot of talent there, but some of the song writing is a bit preditcable. Still, overall a welcome addition. Well done.

My wife had me listen to a few songs and I'll have to say I really enjoy this whole album. Great lyrics, musicianship and style. It goes great with my other new favorite find... Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down (Noah and the Whale).

Go KEXP!

I loved this CD from musical couple Kaiser Cartel. The songs are sweet and or poignant and musically delightful with quite a range. The two voices harmonize beautifully together. Great listening.

Perfect pop for fans of Camera Obscura and Belle and Sebastian. It's cozy music that fits in with your cheery or more melancholy moods. Soothing vocals, eclectic instrumentation, nice lyrics.

I had been waiting for this record to come out for quite some time. The last KaiserCartel record, 'Double Stardard' was a small EP which left me wanting more. When 'March Forth' finally came out I was really excited to get my hands on a copy and for good reason.

The record is a combination of new songs as well as songs written by each of the artists, Courtney Kaiser and Benjamin Cartel, from their previous bands. All the new songs are really great and the old songs are done in such a manner that they feel brand new all over again.

I have been a fan of Ben's music for several years now and have always been interested in his work. When he and Courtney started working together I looked into her work and was equally impressed. Together they can write one hell of a song. This record is a great listen from start to end and there doesn't feel to be any "filler songs." My personal favorites include: Good Ones, Okay, Blue Skies, Favorite Song, Inside Out and Oh No.
-B