Kite Flying Robot
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Kite Flying Robot

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2009 | INDIE

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States | INDIE
Established on Jan, 2009
Band Electronic Synth

Calendar

Music

Press


"Review of "Magic and Mystery""

"The synth rock anthems of Kite Flying Robot may best be described as 'Darkpop', but the buoyant energy of the arrangements, the clever wordplay, and the romantic imagery, coupled with Thompson's clear tenor, leave one exhilarated - hopeful - joyous - and wanting more." -Mercury Photo - Mercury Photo


"Kite Flying Robot - Here's to cool."

For an album that boasts 13 different instruments, eight vocalists and a bling-tastic title, I expected the Oklahoma City-based Kite Flying Robot’s debut to be a giddy, stuffed-to-the-hilt affair.

Surprisingly, it’s marked not by excess, but by tasteful arrangements that result in strong pop songs.

Anchored by mild-mannered electronic beats (think The Postal Service) and Nikolas Thompson’s calm, seductive voice, the songs reveal various parts and melodies at a leisurely pace. These unhurried tracks are long on a slinky, sunglasses-atnight-cool mood, and short on riffs or explosions of adrenaline.

The restraint is what sets the album aside from other pop efforts; KFR always leaves the listener wanting more. From the charming piano of “Airplane Nosebleed” to the hip-hop blast of “28-16-15-7” to the clapping and group sing-along on “Song for the Dandies,” the act creates a mood, sets melodies and then sticks flourishes on without maxing out. I suppose that’s what the live show is for.

Whatever the band’s intentions, “Solid Gold” throws down some excellent tunes. Here’s to cool.

"Solid Gold" is available at both Guestroom Records locations, Bandcamp, iTunes and shows. —Stephen Carradini
- Oklahoma Gazette


"Kite Flying Robot Reunion Show and Interview"

Extensive Interview, please see URL. - Mercury Photo


"Kite Flying Robot rocks Hilo"

When Kite Flying Robot took the stage I swear if felt like Harry Potter just walked into the bar. Magic was in the air. Before I knew it I was off the bar stool dancing shoulder to shoulder in the smoky crowd. The Hilo was cramped but no one seemed to let it cramp their style. Who cares about the beer being spilt on you or the smoke in your face? Not I.
The music moved through the room and no one, not a single hand could restrain from clapping another.

Their latest album "Solid Gold" released in December of 2010 and I'm shocked I had no idea. The Norman Music Festival is coming up soon, April 28-30, and Kite Flying Robot along with over 200 more acts will be performing. You can find them on April 30 on the Blackwatch Stage at 5 p.m. - nakeddancetothis


"Kite Flying Robot: Not Just an Awesome Mental Image"

Kite Flying Robot sounds like a textured, casio driven fun-fest with a horn section! Bass, drum machine, velvety David Byrne-esque vocals…who could ask for more? Sounds like: Falling down a retro, neon-streaked rabbit hole.
- Independent Cause: Tulsa's Independent Music Blog


"Kite Flying Robot"

Kite Flying Robot is an eclectic mishmash of indie pop synths and drum machines with glassy guitars and marching band horns to keep it from sounding canned. Etheric, slowly evolving melodies nestle themselves comfortably between bouncy dance beats and funky bass lines.

Their lyrics evoke the surreal boredom-trance that gives birth to colorful, dancing daydreams. It's like they created a wormhole connecting the furthest reaches of the left brain to the right. This music is some pretty well-played escapism.
- Tulsa Musician's Network


"Bull and Gate, London"

Weilding ukeleles, casio keyboards, this Oklahoma USA are Bongwater in full on disco trash mode! Cool! - Bull and Gate, London


"Old Queen's Head, London"

Jeffrey Lewis's favourite New York Casio Vs. Ukelele mash up touring the UK to support their Colour TV EP. - Old Queen's Head, London


Discography

"Solid Gold" LP (released Dec 2010)
"Tallyho! Let's Go!" 7 song EP (2009)
"Fossils & Artifacts" EP (2008)
Songs from "Solid Gold" have received airplay and charted on countless independent radio stations in the US and XFM in London, including charting at #1 in Charlotte NC.

Photos

Bio


Kite Flying Robot's origins began in San Francisco in 2005 as a one man live electronic/rock mashup experiment of Nikolas Thompson.  Over the years, KFR has also been based out of Oklahoma City and Seoul, Korea, and with the help of many talented friends has toured, released music videos, scored film music, released a few albums and EPs, and has lit up countless dance floors with their sinister pop anthems. 

Nov 2014 will see the release of their 2nd official LP, "Magic and Mystery", produced by Korean Music Award-winner BA Wheeler and famed LA-based producer Chris Fudurich (Finch, Jimmy Eat World, Britney Spears).

"The synth rock anthems of Kite Flying Robot may best be described as 'Darkpop', but the buoyant energy of the arrangements, the clever wordplay, and the romantic imagery, coupled with Thompson's clear tenor, leave one exhilarated - hopeful - joyous - and wanting more." -Mercury Photo

Selected Awards / Accomplishments


-Oklahoma Gazette's Woody Award 2011 for Best Electronic Act
-Tulsa Weekly's Best Dance Rock Band 2012
-Official performer in The Buffalo Lounge, an all-Oklahoma band showcase at SXSW 2011 at the famous Friends' Bar on 6th St
-Has performed in Seoul, Tokyo, London, and the United States, playing shows with bands like Future Islands, Octopus Project, Nico Vega, Colourmusic, Ringo Deathstarr, Prince Rama, and many others.

Dec 10, 2010 saw the release of the full-length “Solid Gold.” Engineered by Michael Trepagnier, formerly of Philip Glass’ NYC studios (Brazilian Girls, Robyn Hitchcock, Coldplay), "Solid Gold" serves as a calling card for the future of pop, delicately produced yet feeling home-brewed and impulsive. It's this kind of contradiction that provides pop for people who hate pop and brooding orchestrations for those who usually prefer a light up dance-floor.  "This music is some pretty well-played escapism." -Tulsa Musician's Network

MUSIC VIDEO "FIRE WITH ME"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXQZ266wY0I


MUSIC VIDEO "RED PHONE BOOTH"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YcsQ7PTcnI


MUSIC FILM "CRIMINAL SUPERVIXEN"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9G_u3k41_8


LIVE VIDEO "SOLID GOLD"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHQWNcKDf0M


LIVE VIDEO "SONG FOR DANDIES"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6UgXIxx3ws





Band Members