Audiokiss

AUDIOKISS: DEBUT ALBUM - REALLY KIND OF MOVING

The first time I listened to the new debut album by Audiokiss I was certain that track one, ‘A Little Realisation’ was the stand out track. It has all the trimmings of a typical and decent pop song. You know the thing; upbeat tempo, catchy chorus, with an 80’s feel, 90’s groove and something a little psychedelic 60’s/70’s going on at times too. However come the second time round I ‘noticed’ and saw potential in other songs on the album. ’ ‘Bending Seas’ for instance is a catchy but cool pop song, and ‘Baba Boom’ has a hint of Scandinavian pop about it with an impressive violin running through the chorus; just right for the mood. ‘I Can’t Fly’ - a decent rock ballad, and ‘Been to Mars’ another catchy pop/soft rock song. The titled track ‘Really Kind Of Moving’ has a moody edge and nice groove, and is possibly less ‘obvious’ than the rest, although I could swear I’ve heard that sound before.
There’s something familiar about Audiokiss, as though we’ve known them for a long time. Vocalist, Siobhan Mahon has the perfect voice for pop/soft rock (think Debbie Harry, Pat Benatar) and she really does show off her classically trained talents. Instrumentally, Jack Dublin (guitars) and Robert Campbell (drums) do it so well they could be session musicians, and obviously none of them are new to the game, however, we shall not talk about the members colourful past.
All in all, with sounds of ‘Blondie‘, ‘Heart’ and ‘Voice of The Beehive’, there is a slight 80’s feel about Audiokiss but without the synthesizers. Also creeping in at times, ‘Crowded House’ and ‘Fleetwood Mac’s’ more ballad type tunes.
Most tracks on the album are ideal for mainstream radio and TV. There’s nothing here that will hurt the ears of those who repel at the thought of new, unknown and unfamiliar music. With a very fine production (Conor Brady) and catchy, easy on the ears songs, Audiokiss should do just fine.
In a nutshell, made for mainstream!

Reviewed by Rachel James
www.myspace.com/missjamesreviewer
- Rachel James

“Really Kind of Moving” is a commercially strong, pop/country debut album from the Dublin based band - “Audiokiss.” Originally released in Ireland at the end of September 2009, but now set for a wider release.

This is a quality product; with well established musicians Jack Dublin (guitars) and Robert Campbell (drums) leading a larger group of musicians, along with Siobhan Mahon’s classically trained vocals, that sound like a cross between Sheryl Crow, Chrissie Hynde (Pretenders) and Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac).

The opening track “A Little Realisation” is up tempo and full of the promise of good things to come on the album and the band don’t let us down! “Maybe” is a laid back country song with wonderful harmonies. The opening guitar riff to “Bending Seas” reminds me of OMD’s “Enola Gay” and shows off Siobhan’s amazing vocal range.

“The Waiting Game” is powerful, yet melancholic. “Feel You’re Lucky” has a funky driving rhythm, strong lead vocal, with great backing vocals. It’s a passionately presented, an almost in your face song, and is my personal favourite track. “One Life For Now” seems out of place on the album, it’s a dark reflective slow ballad which starkly contrasts with the previous track.

The title track “Really Kind Of Moving” is very well written atmospheric song which is the best of the slower songs on the album. It’s followed by “I Can’t Fly” my second favourite song with its sixties sounding guitar. “Been To Mars” is a lovely melodic song which is typical of this album and builds up to a wonderful crescendo..

As we come to the close of Audiokiss’s debut album the “Thunder Clouds” start to roll in with this drum and bass lead rock track. The song is raw edged with passionate vocals and great lead guitar. Finally “Baba Boom” closes the album with its dark, folk sound, and its orchestral string arrangement.

Audiokiss have shown their versatility in being able to write and perform songs from different genres of pop, there is every reason to expect the album to be very well received by all mainstream music lovers.

On a final note, the packaging of the CD impressed me, especially the inclusion of a book with the lyrics in, for those of us who want to sing along. In this day of downloads many artists don’t make the effort to have a product that feels good to look at and hold in your hand and looks good in your CD collection, call me old fashioned if you want to. :)

Andrew Smith
www.myspace.com/musiclifecoach

- Andrew Smith

Let's see what the bio says about Audiokiss. It seems they are a three piece band consisting of Siobhan Mahon, Jack Dublin and Robert Campbell and it would also appear that they have been around a bit.
So - perhaps unsurprisingly - what we have her is a bit retro and a bit old fashioned (but in a good way). Starting off with "A Little Realisation", this album consists of what can be fairly described as "taxi driver rock" being the kind of music that is always playing in that minicab that you get home at the end of the night. It is almost as perfectly programmed for the rock music stations of today as it would have been 20 years ago and you can just see programming directors going wild for songs like "Feel You're Lucky" or "Been To Mars". Nicely played and tastefully arranged throughout, this is an easy album to like with Ms Mahon's vocals being the cherry on the cake.
Twenty years ago, no one would have blinked at an album like this. Today, however, it is something of an anachronism placing, as it does, musical ability above fashion. Basically, Audiokiss is the kind of band that you would find in a pub that you've never been too before and they're the kind of band that would make you stay for another pint. That's more than enough to make me feel quite sentimental for times past.

Review by: Bluesbunny
- Bluesbunny Music Reviews

Music Review Un-signed (Dublin, Ireland)
Dublin three piece band Audiokiss album “Really Kind of Moving” is a full sounding rock album with it's moments of pop fever with a real 90's feel, the lead singer Siobhan Mahon's voice resembles Stevie nicks and Belinda Carlisle in parts, excellent voice and really comes to the forum on the album especially on "One Life For Now" slow song, but very moving and flowing rhythm with a folk/rock ballad feel from the sound.
Review by T.Halpin
- Music Review Un-signed (Dublin, Ireland)