“Something’s Wrong” Brace 2008 does have a bit of that early Brit pop sound. It may even be a bit punk. Some have billed them as sounding like Manchester natives of the early ‘80s. That’s part of it too. But this listener hears some David Byrne, some techno, some sharply cut rhythm that was key to a few bands in the past 20 years.

Whatever the reality, Sam Tyndall, Oliver Edsforth, Nate Lithgow-bass, Adam De Rosa-guitar, and Michael Chap Resnick are The Kiss Off. They state that they sound like or may be influenced by Echo & The Bunnymen, Bowie, Wire, Nine Inch Nails, Peter Gabriel, Bauhaus, King Crimson, Kate Bush, YYY’s, Celebration. De Rosa and Lithgow take credit for the start of this venture. By the way, they hail from Brooklyn. Nice, huh?

I particularly like “Laying Dead.” Something reaches me individually, with both that pop sound mentioned earlier and then some ‘60s fun as well. This is one of the really good songs on the CD. Try out “Amplify” if you think you’ve heard all the recent music you wanted to hear. You’ll wait awhile on this tune if you are seeking poetry. It’s sound and rhythm with some meaning.

The Kiss Off will be at Blender Theater in New York City on November 17. Look for these players elsewhere as well.

The Kiss Off on MySpace

Tags: music, indie music, independent music, indie, the kiss off