Kingfisher – Kingfisher EP (2022)
Kingfisher is bringing a little something for everyone with their self-titled EP Kingfisher EP. Through the four tracks of the EP, they blend 90s rock with their punk roots and throw in a splash of pop for good measure. The light touch of nostalgia woven into the music enhances the stories each track has to tell ranging from finding your artistic voice to tributes to artists taken before their time.
While this is their first EP, Joe Brownrigg (vocals, guitar), Brent Walker (vocals, guitar), Dave Dorval (drums) and Casey Conner (bass) have been making music together and separately for over 20 years. Forming this musical project at the end of last year, they merge their styles and express themselves in the best possible way. Using a DIY ethos, they do as much of their producing themselves while engaging listeners with their passionate sound.
The EP opens with ‘Another Way to Break Through’ which is one of the tracks looking at finding your artistic voice. The melody slowly rises through the opening to sweep you into the track. There is a sense of awakening in this movement before the rock tones have you bouncing around to their rhythm. The drum pounds into your chest while the guitars thrum their infectious song. The vocals have a rallying cry to them as they fill you with the empowerment needed to unleash your voice. It is an unbelievably engaging track that hooks you to the band’s sound and makes you eager to hear the rest of the EP.
‘Minor League’ continues the call to find your artistic voice but takes a slightly less punchy approach. The guitars fly through the opening while the vocals give a light growl. While the opening track has you empowered and ready to unleash your voice, this track is packed with perseverance. Through the vocals, you get the strength to push on even when you feel like you are not getting anywhere. The infectious tones of the opening track sink their hooks deeper through this track. The beats make you want to frantically air drum with them while the guitar shakes you up and has you wanting to jump around. The energy is intense throughout the song letting you have an amazing time.
The music takes a turn with ‘Before Your Star’ which brings a darker edge to the music with a touch of sobriety. The pulse of the guitar taps at your chest while the vocals have a grounded and dark edge. The lyrics touch on artists who have left us long before their time and the feeling this leaves in those who enjoy their music. There is a contrast of feeling in the track as you are filled with the sadness of the artists leaving us only to reach out with a sense of connection. This is particularly powerful on the chorus that soars with melodic flows and emotive tugs.
The EP comes to an end with ‘Radio City’ which hits the ground running. The drums have this rolling feeling that pushes you forward into a run as you make your way down the path set by the guitars. There is a punch of punk-rock to the single that has your feet tapping away to the rhythm. Against this is the story of how music can offer stability in the turbulent world we live in. The lyrics touch on the problems and obstacles we often have to overcome only to bring you to the peace and solace offered by listening to your favourite music. Without any effort, this song is able to put a smile on your face and get you thinking about the music that always makes you feel better.
Kingfisher gets you hooked to their sound while they consider the power of music and finding your artistic voice in the rocking tracks of Kingfisher EP. Each track has an engaging sound that cements the band’s place on your favourite playlist. From the light growl of the vocals to melodic flows and soaring guitars, they have you entranced from start to finish.
Find out more about Kingfisher on their website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
