CD Review – Anders & Kendall “Wild Chorus”
Tender and Melodic Alt-Country from ex-Indie Rockers
I wish more artists would realise that a snappy intro to track one often decides the mood of the listener; especially if they are new to their work. ANDERS & KENDALL do just that, with the 25 second long gutsy guitar solo that introduces We’re on Fire, Babe as it made me sit up like a Meercat; and when Anders Parker’s gruff voice was eventually joined by the sweet tones of Kendall Meade all thoughts of work were put on hold until the album had been listened to all the way through. As well as the ultra-cool guitar playing there is also an organ that drifts in and out enhancing an excellent, understated ‘love song.’
Kendall Meade takes lead on City of Greats and her voice had me scratching my head as to who she reminded me of, and I couldn’t think of anyone – which is a good thing, as she really is a one off with a delightful voice that oozes vulnerability.
I particularly like (is love too strong a word?) Getting’ Ready which has Kendall on lead and Anders supplying an uneasy harmony over drums that sound like a heartbeat and some excellent crashing and fuzzy guitars.
One song that doesn’t work for me is the (slightly) experimental Let’s Get Lost which has Anders Parker singing as Kendall Meade attempts to ‘answer’ his verses as if on the telephone. The words sound really good but the ‘song’ doesn’t really work in this format.
If you are a regular reader of my reviews you will know that I’m a sucker for a good love song and boy, do this pair deliver with Oh, Love which starts out well enough with Kendall extolling her feelings for her partner who provides some husky harmonies; when the pedal-steel came in I very nearly burst into tears. This is one for my Valentines Day Mix-CD.
Just like a strong opening track the finale should be memorable too and Anders & Kendall pull another rabbit out of the hat with slow and acoustic The Sun Will Shine Again, Someday that was a perfect fit with the mood I was in on first hearing.
Most of the songs tell stories in one form or another and coupled with the hooks and melodies (remember them?) plus the slightly feedback enhanced guitars had me recalling the halcyon formative years of the Alt-Country movement in the late 80’s.
Released worldwide February 18th 2013