KLEN – Compendium/Consortium (2024)
Self-described as “…the freakbeat beatniks, purveyor of Kernow-Beat and garage psych…”, UK-based group KLEN has the heart of the 60s lingering in modern-day musicians. Using their charm, cheekiness and high-voltage energy, the awesome foursome are quickly establishing themselves as one of the captivating acts in the UK live circuit; as well as reaching out with infectious vibes across the globe. From France to the USA, Brazil to Canada, and Ireland to their native UK, KLEN is quickly garnering an international following. The latest addition to their discography is the single ‘Compendium/Consortium’.
Spending the past two years honing their sound and enthralling live audiences, KLEN returns to the radio (or streaming platforms) with their new single ‘Compendium/Consortium’. Following the well-received 2022 tracks ‘Down the Pen’ and ‘The Pipers’, ‘Compendium/Consortium’ shifts from a mixture of indie-rock and Britpop to heavier, psychedelic swirls of post-punk and psych-rock. Finding a line between The Who and The Animals then blurring it, KLEN pushes you into sonic fog leaving you to breathe the mystical perfume.
With pounding drums, soaring guitars, a bold bass, light keys and underlying percussion, ‘Compendium/Consortium’ is a melting pot of kaleidoscopic sound; however, as crazy as the twirl may be, a harmonic unity results in the symphony. For me, the haunting vocals bind the tune with a punk-inspired brashness.
Obscure and off-kilter can barely describe the overall sound in ‘Compendium/Consortium’ as KLEN captures the issue of capitalism in a “real-time narrative of a satirical fantasy board meeting at a multinational conglomerate…” With the monotone stab of abrupt vocals, KLEN expresses how “the big wigs chat and scheme amongst themselves exploring ways in which to expand and inflate profits at the expense of the customer…” Instead of being concerned about the little dude, their “having a really nice time in the process” is perfectly represented through the flowing melody – as if their souls are having fun while their discussion is indifferent. All in all, a rather profound piece.
In addition to the single, KLEN released an official music video for ‘Compendium/Consortium’. You can view the video below or via their YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
Find out more about KLEN on their Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more alternative rock tunes on The Other Side Reviews Alternative Rock playlist:
