THE KAIROS EP: REVIEW

[scalpedsociety]

Kairos, by Tamara Seward and Xanxus

Reviewed by Lee Riddle

'Kairos' is an ancient Grecia word meaning the right or perfect moment for something to happen. And sure enough, they did release this EP at the right time. There was no formal announcement by Pride that this EP would arrive and in hindsight, the only press it got was a series of cryptic, teasing tweets from Tamara. In a sense, the two artists would have it no other way. Announcing that the two would collaborate would cause arguments in their fanbase and dull the hype.

To most casual fans of the two bands they hail from, this collaboration almost doesn't make any sense at all. Xanxus is a dyed in the wool punk that is notoriously brutal in his bass notes and manner, Tamara is the very picture of an elegant classical musician, her piano notes tend to float among the other instruments. But veterans that have followed their careers know better and would actually agree that they are much more similar than meets the eye. Xanxus was classically trained to be an Operatic baritone, and in the rare moment he sings something other than punk and metal, it shows. Tamara is a 17 year veteran of the music scene in Vista City and has been in bands as varied from jazz to metal. Between them, they play at least four instruments.

What is the first collaboration between the two like? At first it seems classic to the point it's cliche, beast and beauty. Their voices even fit the archetype of soprano and gravel. The album's theme is temptation, inspired by demonic incubi and their beautiful victims. It's not an EP you play to keep your mind clean. Every track has something to do with sex, or pining for the other or is darkly romantic. The tension is palpable between the two in each song. (Sure enough if you believe the tabloids, they are lovers off the record.) However, there are occasional surprises that turn the idea on it's head.

The delivery of Xanxus' lyrics in 'Indecent Desire' are vulnerable, nearly to the point that's not like him to those that know his customary swagger. Those harsh, powerful, metal-like howls in 'The Missing Sin'? All Tamara's. Sonically, they remind you they can take each other's place not only musically, but in the narrative as well. Another thing to note, this album is haunting, in between the themes of lust and yearning there are notes of despair, uncertainty and doubt. It hints at just how much torture, physically and emotionally, carnal and romantic desire can be.

The highlight of the EP is the bonus track: 'Incubus' Call'. It's simple piano duet that brilliantly ties the theme together. With a feeling so intimate, it would be hard to believe if they didn't record together in the same room, let alone played on the same piano.

The response from both of their fanbases will be polarized, but both should take a listen to the EP and perhaps hear something one would normally never hear from both in their respective bands. This reviewer would love to see more from them. I also recommend it to anyone looking for great heavy and dark music with a romantic theme that doesn't get too plodding or full of sentiment. 

Artwork by variaboss and scalpedsociety

 

Comments

[scalpedsociety]

[great, now mommy feels awful and xanxus hasn't even put her to bed yet.

:(]

[sharktrash]

[ good! hope she feels that much worse once he does! >C ]