After more than twenty years in the music industry, working with great engineers and artists, Kyle Koenig has begun carving out his own path as I Saw Movement'. A project wrapped in decades of indie rock magic, Kyle has been steadily realising a string of singles and albums under the moniker, leading perfectly to his latest six-track collection, 'Maybe This Time'.
The EP opens in perfect form with 'Enough', a track that sets the tone with its scratches of guitar, steady bass, and shimmering indie sounds. Kyle's vocals are wrapped in this storm of searing, guitar-driven sounds, conjuring a style that is easily reminiscent of American Football and Pixies, with not-too-distant echoes of bands like Les Savy Fav. Following cuts 'Wallflower' and 'Charade' continue in this vein, with light synth tones flickering through a wall of sweeping vocals and textured electric guitar.
'Palms' arrives as a highlight, offering a more varied and joyous sound that incorporates elements of '90s and early 2000s pop-punk. Following close behind, 'Eyes Closed' offers a more introspective tone, with lyrics like "I don't want to be my own nightmare" cutting through the maelstrom of sound to hit its mark. The EP closes with 'Maybe This Time', a triumphant track with waves of guitar that bring to mind early Amusement Parks on Fire and invigorated shoegaze.
On the surface, 'Maybe This Time' lands as a strong continuation of Kyle's nostalgic indie style, but as you dig deep through the tracks, themes of passion, heartbreak, and self-reflection lie hidden. The lyrics in 'Eyes Closed', almost ironically, open the EP up, allowing repeat listening to become more and more rewarding as you sort through the sonic haze and find the messages beneath.
The EP was recorded at East/Mid-West Audio in New Jersey; Kyle did the entire recording process himself, as well as the mixing. It's this hold on all aspects that makes it such a cohesive release, adding weight and forging a unique creative vision. Fans of '90s indie rock will find plenty to love here, and newcomers to the world of I Saw Movement will be introduced to a sound that is both familiar and exciting.
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