Staff Reviews

This is the Kit - Bashed Out

Review by Paul Faller

This album ought to see Kate Stables recognised as one of the most compelling voices in alt-folk.»

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This Is The Kit is the much beloved musical project of Kate Stables born in England and based in Paris. 'Bashed Out' is her band's third album, the result of an extended period collaboration with the record's producer Aaron Dessner (Sharon Van Etten, Local Natives). Dessner- the co-founder of the Brassland label - is best known for his work in The National. Indeed, the backing band he gathered for 'Bashed Out' combines the talents of This Is The Kit's touring members (Rozi Plain, Jesse Vernon, Jamie Whitby-Coles), alongside a number of session players drawn from the Brooklyn music scene: Bryce Dessner, Thomas Bartlett (Doveman, The Gloaming), Matt Barrick (The Walkmen) and Ben Lanz (Beirut, The National) all made key instrumental contributions. This music is honest, human and humane - a folky-lovely slow-rumble. It's rock but of the hangover-friendly, stoner variety; it's folk but at a groovy speed. As notable as the music, however, is front woman Kate Stables, whose voice hearkens back to the classic singer songwriter era - her distinctive, cutting vocals up front in the mix.
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