Kissing Cousins - "Pillar of Salt"

by David Greening

The first full length by this all female, Silver Lake quintet is full of driving rhythms and haunting melodies that lull you into a hypnotic state–like a snake charmer drawing out a cobra with his tune. An apt reference actually, as swirling around the haze of fuzzy guitars and pounding drums are lilting flute melodies that carry the group’s songs above the frenzy. The album is dark and moody, full of spiritual woe and soulful laments.

Opener “First in the Fire” kicks it all off with feedback tinged garage rock that is almost funerary in nature. The band doesn’t let up, moving straight into the rocker “Come Back to Me,” a powerhouse of crescendos driven by a cut-throat guitar line.  Just as it seems that the record may only have one speed, out pops a dance groove (“Diminishing Returns”), some shoegazey guitar (“Red Lamb”) or an a cappella hymn (“Snake Handler Part 1).

“Pillar of Salt” is a foreboding yet sexy record.  Mixing smoldering sensuality, wantonness, reckless abandon and righteous ennui, these 10 tracks run the gambit from the desperation and sorrow inherent to a loss of faith to hopeful exploration, reflection and redemption that one gets when they dive deep down into their own soul.

Kissing Cousins play July 16 at the Echo with The Monolators, French Miami, and The Flying Tourbillon Orchestra

Comments

[Felicia]

Wow that sounds like some pretty deep stuff. I've very interested. I'm gonna go listen to there music now.