Kelp Dwellers: Surfacing

The Kelp Dwellers, quite a captivating name by the way, hail from the US and released their debut album titled Surfacing in February of this year. This is another band I had no idea existed until now. The trio includes Todd Montgomery (electric tenor guitar, electric mandocello, lap steel, electric guitar, synths, piano, ebow), Craig Kahn (drums) and Gayle Ellett (bass, electric guitar, electric 12-string, piano, ebow). You may be familiar with Ellett’s work in his other band, the excellent Djam Karet.

What you get with Surfacing is excellent guitar driven rock, often utilizing layers of the instrument creating a full bodied sound. The music is upbeat and melodic, something we could use more of after the last couple years. A jangly guitar riff and excellent melody makes the album opening “Jellyfish Song� a nice start. More guitar is added layer by layer until the music slows down into an atmospheric section flavoured with psychedelic accents. Then it’s back to those good vibes we heard at the start. More tasteful leads and grooves can be heard on “Winsome Rollers� as the band incorporate the occasional psychedelic tone. The infectious “Undine’s Righteous Victory� has a pop/jazzy thing going on with a major league hook whereas “Westward Mostly Sunny� traverses across country and progressive lines all the while featuring creative guitar interplay. On “Tricking King Swordfish� the band add some heavier riffs to go along with their melodic and sunnier vibes.

Surfacing is a fine guitar centered rock album that should appeal to rock fans across the spectrum. Recommended.

Track Listing:
1. Jellyfish Song
2. Winsome Rollers
3. Undine’s Righteous Victory
4. Westward Mostly Sunny
5. Tricking King Swordfish
6. Otter Finley’s
7. Watch Out For Water Dog
8. Selkie Always Seeks
9. Night Ashore

Added: July 26th 2021
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 1035
Language: english

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