By Josh Snider
Kambree’s debut, a 4-track self-titled EP, was released early in June. With a running time of just over 13 minutes, this release packs quite a punch. The band pulls heavily from some classic new wave, post punk, and indie rock influences, but they manage to keep it refreshing and energizing by putting their own spin on a sound that can easily fall prey to unoriginality.
The aggressive bass and gritty drums function as an engine, driving the whole record right into the ears and down to the tappingfoot of the listener. For how hazy and distorted Kambree’s thick mess of melody and garage rock sentiment may be, the danceability of these four tracks is surprising.
Jaydn Turley and Gaige Despain’s guitar work is heavy and melodically intricate. At times, I found myself wondering if they listened to Weezer’s Pinkerton on repeat before laying down some of these tracks. Somehow, amidst all the glorious chaos, Turley and Despain – who wrote much of the music – find the perfect space between the soaring guitars and gnarly punk bass to fit in nice synthy counter melodies. The guitar/synth interplay on this release is subtle, but very enjoyable. One might think of Hot Fuss-era The Killers with the nice balance of distortion and dance hooks.
Topping it all off are the angsty yet powerful vocals provided by Jonni Turley. While her range and control is certainly showcased over the course of this EP, and her performance is clearly solid, the mix brings the vocals back down so that they aren’t in the forefront as much as most pop records today. It’s very reminiscent of old school Paramore.This change of pace is refreshing. While sometimes the lyrics might be lost on the first couple listens, the performance still shines. There is definitely a DIY sort of vibe on this record and the way the double tracked and overdriven vocals sit in the mix only adds to that aesthetic.
All in all, this debut release for Kambree is definitely an exciting one. Homegrown right here in Provo, with all of the initial tracking done at Studio Studio DaDa with Stephen Cope, overdubs and mixing done in the Turley’s homestudio, and mastering by Scott Wiley at June Audio, the Kambree EP is sure to make some waves in the local scene. I for one am very much looking forward to the future, with Kambree having just announced that a 2nd EP is in the works.
Be sure to send a Facebook like their way and give their EP a listen on Bandcamp here.
Provo Music Magazine 