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Kaki King
"Dreaming of Revenge"
Release date: March 11, 2008
Record label: Velour Recordings
http://www.kakiking.com
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
For some time Kaki King has been a well-kept secret in the world of mind-blowing acoustic guitarists.
She's not over-publicized or extremely well-known, yet those who have heard her should be entranced by her unique style of playing. Her ability to take a guitar, slap the wood and pick around the strings, while throwing in harmonics with seeming ease, and transform one instrument into a full band isn't common practice.
Her fourth album is equal to the amazing musical quality of her previous releases. Though other instruments join her, they never steal her spotlight and add a full wall of sound to complete the songs. It's obvious, however, when she takes the lead all on her own that she doesn't need their help at all.
"Dreaming of Revenge" has all of Kaki King's greatness with a little more vocalization than previous albums. Producer Malcolm Burn had visions to make the album catchy, and did it in a way that doesn't take away from Kaki King's genius guitar playing.
"Bone Chaos In the Castle" has a little hint of The Sea and Cake's eminent pop trance thrown in. Yet the opening track is purely instrumental - an immediate indicator that she hasn't released an album full of methodic pop songs.
When Kaki King does open her mouth, right away on the second track, "Life Being What It Is," listeners get a look into the world of a shy, soft-spoken woman. Kaki King is mesmerizing, whether she's singing in her childlike, sweet voice or just simply playing along.
On "So Much For So Little," a non-vocal track, Kaki King produces an almost wind-chime effect with her guitar; she knows every part of her instrument and what it can do, and displays it well on "Dreaming of Revenge."
Each song produces a different landscape and vibe. "Montreal," with its steady, electric dissonance and loud drumbeat, is a drive through the city on a rainy night, with tall skyscrapers and the traffic lights becoming a blur through the windows. "Open Mouth" is lonely and introspective, flowing with strings over five minutes.
"Pull Me Out Alive" is a little different, albeit wonderful, with its bare chords and a muted, electric strum lending it a harder rock vibe than her other tracks. She layers the verse vocals, producing an almost indecipherable whisper, and bursts into a strong, resonant chorus.
Kaki King shows no flaws on "Dreaming of Revenge." The album is one dreamy journey worth traveling - a countless number of times.
Julie Engler can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 275 or julie86@siu.edu.
