Photo Credit: Dara Munnis
Info: REMY is delighted to exclusively stream the premiere of the debut album from Dublin indie-rock four-piece KARMS, Satellites, which is officially released this Friday, 29th of June.
KARMS first turned heads with single, 'We Always Lose', an energetic anthem that just never seemed to quit.
Taking on supports with The Amazons, Arcane Roots and The Strypes as well as sell out headline shows at Whelan's, it is with absolute pleasure that KARMS announce the release of their much anticipated debut album, Satellites.
Opening with its title-track, 'Satellites', from gentle breezy beginnings, it builds up to a glorious soul-rock sound, the vocal chorus conjuring images of Dennis Wilson's 1977 classic solo album Pacific Ocean Blues. A description I never thought I'd use for KARMS before hearing this album, with my only taster until now being previously released singles.
Yet this is a modern indie-rock affair in every sense, and the first taste of intensity rears its head on second track 'Away Away', a dazzlingly energetic powerhouse of a track, the lead vocals are stunning. Often with this genre vocals can be a bit samey, subconsciously or deliberately mimicking influences, not here, and this feeling is repeated throughout the album, adding to its uniqueness time and time again.
The band's best known (and debut) single, 'We Always Lose' (above video) comes next, it's full pelt, the high-tempo and shred of guitars and percussion recalling a favourite alternative-rock album of mine which I still revisit, Bleed American by Jimmy Eat World. Another moment of grinding rock comes on 'Vienna', and at this point you are fully aware that KARMS' particular brand of indie-rock is chameleon-like, adopting many styles which over-arch their core sound, in this instance it's 80's power-rock.
'She Said' keeps the sonic rattle vibrating frenetically, an unabashed pop chorus punches its way right through the middle of the whirlwind of drums and guitars. I always feel invigorated by slow builds (is there a music fan who doesn't to be fair?), but when it surprises you it's that little bit better, 'Tearaway' achieves this, from tender acoustic openings it sears and bursts open dramatically until it's final repose. After the stomping 'Son of a Man' one of my early introductions to KARMS, 'River' arrives, like many of the songs on Satellites, it's ear-worm central, it's also a step well above your standard indie-rock release, that vocal again, so much vigour springs forth from it and leaves you overwhelmed in a good sense by tracks end.
The album closes with 'All I Want', and in some ways, it touches on a point I wanted to make from the very beginning, that underneath the bristling buoyancy of Satellites is another layer. Thoughtfulness. On your first few listens you may find yourself surrounded by a cacophony of swirling guitars, euphoric choruses and a relentless beat, but in time you'll discover much more, which is what makes a good album, a grower, become a great album.
Satellites is released on CD and all major digital platforms this Friday, 29th of June.
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