The Kanes

1. The Kanes, “Black Magic,” alternative rock. Hot Track: “Nightmare.” thekanesmusic.com/

Singer-guitarist Greg Gilmore’s highly emotive and off-kilter vocal delivery connects with growly intensity. This is fun, tempo-shifting rock (with a couple ballads mixed in) from a talented trio with dial set on self-destruct. The best tracks on this 13-song sophomore effort from Gilmore, bassist Adam Springob and drummer Mike Orris have the thrashing passion of the Pixies, punk spirit — and cane-whacking hooks for smacking the mud out of you. “Nightmare” will haunt your brainwaves. - Reno Gazette-Journal

In a city (and probably world) filled with electronic instruments and predictable drops and build-ups, The
Kanes emerge as a rock group threatening every CD turntable in Reno bars and beyond.

Using the broadest of labels they are a cacophony of rock genres with punk and psychedelic overtones.
Their captivating live performances set them apart. The band is fronted by singer, songwriter and lead
guitarist, Greg Gilmore, a blur on-stage.

“We try and be as engaging and theatrical as we can. It matches the music,” Gilmore said.

The Kanes pride themselves on their live performances, and live up to the talk. They said being a three-
piece band adds to the fullness of their sound and provides much needed stage space.

All the live vocal and instrumental excitement is encapsulated on their newest album, Black Magic. The
release party for the album will be at the Knitting Factory on April 27. The occasion will be hosted by
Reno’s horror movie extraordinaire and cult icon, Zomboo, and will include performances by The Kanes
and other local juggernauts, Drinking With Clowns and Scarlet Presence.

Over the past two years The Kanes added Adam Springob on bass and backup vocals as well as Mike
Orris on drums. Their differing musical tastes and backgrounds help the music blend together genres.

They range from acoustic story tellers to psychedelic rockers from one song to the next.

Black Magic’s first three tracks are ear candy and scream for FM attention. The album’s beginning is
punctuated with the third song, “Hey Yeah”, a bouncy and biting tune with an enthralling chorus. From
there, the album dangles listeners between nostalgically catchy lyrics and psychedelic tendencies.
Springob provides filling harmony for Gilmore’s experimental and often wild voice.

The Kanes recorded locally at Stonehaven Studio in Sparks. Scott Curtis (formerly of 505 Recording
Group) engineered and co-producer the album.

Gilmore’s favorite track from the new album, “All We Are Is Gold” solidifies the band’s range
(particularly in lyrical content and confidence with song structure). The five minute ballad has some
Beatles tendencies and beautifully twists through verses, crisp and droning choruses and interludes. The
diction is as vibrant as the chord transitions, including lucid descriptions of “glistening hibiscus flowers
illuminat[ing] the sky like fireflies.”

The Kanes said they try to channel jam bands, like Grateful Dead for live performances, though across
the band there are hints of hendrix’s explosiveness, Dylan-esk prose and colorful descriptions and
Petty’s pounding hooks. Definitely a win-win-win. - Metromix

See link - Reno-Tahoe Tonight

Upon my initial listen to The Kanes, an up and coming alternative rock band out of Reno, Nevada, they were reminiscent of a more indie sounding Nirvana. However, as I re-listened to their new album, Black Magic , I was able to hear a multitude of varying subtle influences. According to the band’s website, they take musical inspiration from everything to the Beatles and Led Zeppelin, all the way to Radiohead and the Killers, to name a few. The Kanes is composed of lead singer and guitarist, Greg Gilmore, bass guitarist, Adam Springob, and drummer, Mike Orris Jr.

One thing the band really succeeds in, and is showcased on Black Magic, is their ability to easily and smoothly transition from different tempos and styles. The track “If You Want” has an awesome intro; it switches from an early moderate tempo to a much faster be, finally ending in a heavy riff. The riff transitions splendidly, carrying over and onto the beginning of the next song, “Hey Yeah”. “Hey Yeah” is a catchy, upbeat tune that will have you tapping your feet and nodding your head. “Free Me” is probably my favorite song off the album. It’s incredibly chill, and I could definitely see myself hanging out in a basement or cruising in my car with this song playing away in the background. You can listen to it via Youtube ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBn-3TwfJso ), or even better, download it for free from the band’s website. “Free Me” is then followed by the very slow and vocally heavy beginning to “How Does it Taste”. After about a minute, it transitions to a much faster and more guitar and drum filled combination. This switch between slow vocals and fast instrumentation occurs multiple times throughout the song, once again displaying the band’s amazing ability to innovatively change the sound, while still producing a cohesive piece.

Definitely give The Kanes and Black Magic a listen, they may surprise you. Check out the band on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/thekanesfanpage?fref=ts), or go to their website for more information ((http://www.reverbnation.com/thekanes).

-Kanitta - Plugged in Promotions