Kinetic Stereokids
New York, New York, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
“...beautifully melancholy lyrics and vocal lines interspersed with … acoustic guitar [over] a bed of sublime hip-hop beats and ethereal electronica” - Kinky Origami
"Okay, forget the Beck references (although it's easy to make comparisons … there's much more going on with this fresh-faced foursome of post-prog indie-beatbox-rockers.” - Some Velvet Blog
"...these four young men out of Flint, Michigan are prepared for a larger audience” - Audiversity
"...genuine and fresh approach to rock, coupled with addictive hooks and vocals, make KSK a must-hear." - Harmony In My Ears
"...an excellent public transportation soundtrack." - 3Hive
"Beats collide with delicate guitar solos collide with Dark Side mumbles collide with radio chatter collide with scratches. It’s insidious and addictive" - Leicester Bangs UK
"Score: 8/10… attractive in so many ways…" - Americana UK
“Thank God for Kinetic Stereokids … 'Sonic alchemy' would be the clichéd rock critic phrase that comes to mind when trying to describe KSK but really they defy description … fuzzy swirling guitars, syncopated drums and retro recordings mixed with synthy samples and satisfyingly glitchy effects” - KEXP Blog
“...dynamic and engaging...” - Three Imaginary Girls
Discography
"Kid Moves" LP
Overdraft Recordings, March 2009
CMJ Radio 200
"Have a Nice Day" EP
Overdraft Recordings, October 2008
"Basement Kids" LP
Overdraft Recordings, March 2007
CMJ Radio 200
Filter Magazine Online Top 10
CNET Editor's Pick
Also featured on KEXP's "Song of the Day" and "Music That Matters" podcasts
Photos
Bio
Kinetic Stereokids cut their teeth in Flint, Michigan-a city of abandoned auto industry, staggering unemployment and one of the nation's highest crime rates. What started as childhood friends seeking refuge in basement jam sessions has since developed into an inspired, intelligent and innovative brand of modern rock.
With comparisons ranging from Beck to Mogwai, and the cited influence of Can, Elliott Smith and the Beastie Boys, the Kinetic Stereokids' sound is gritty, beat-heavy, sample-laden, lo-fi sonic alchemy.
KSK first earned recognition playing warm-up shows in the metro Detroit area for acts such as …And you will know us by the trail of the dead, Secret Machines and Explosions In The Sky. They were consequently signed to Brooklyn-based label Overdraft Recordings.
After the 2007 debut full-length release Basement Kids landed on the CMJ Radio 200 list, KSK gained national momentum, touring from New York to Los Angeles and from Pop Montreal to South by Southwest.
Basement Kids' lead single, "Explosions Were Heard" was featured as Song of the Day by indie rock heavyweights and web-radio pioneers KEXP FM Seattle, and was also included on their groundbreaking Music That Matters podcast series. The buzz surrounding KSK spread beyond the U.S., as well, with their "junkyard folktronica" dubbed "insidious and addictive" and "attractive in so many ways" by various UK sources.
In February 2008, KSK headed into Ghetto Recorders to mix their second release, Kid Moves, with Detroit studio legend Jim Diamond (White Stripes, The Mooney Suzuki, The Dirtbombs). The result is a more sophisticated effort than Basement Kids, while still retaining their distinctive grit.
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