Explosives For Her Majesty - Some Kind of Familiar

Explosives For Her Majesty

Some Kind Of Familiar
self-released; 2013

3.7 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Explosives For Her Majesty was formed by producer/composer Kallie Marie back in 2007. They released an EP entitled Slogan Formula but shortly after Marie moved to New York she needed to find new band members. New members were found and more than half a decade later they released their second studio EP entitled Some Kind of Familiar.

Some Kind of Familiar consists of four songs that cross-pollinate between primarily indie rock and electronic into highly infectious pop music that veers towards the dark side. Marie enjoys her hooks but also isn't afraid to get into experimental territory that gives the songs definition as well as a nice dose of originality.

“Preaching To The Rails” is the first song on the album and starts with lo-fi distorted jungle beat that gets side swiped with a buzzsaw bass. By the time the chorus hits the song transforms into more or less a pop/rock song with electronic tendencies. As the song progresses it shifts back and forth between an electronic sounding composition  and a rock song with an edge. It’s an innovative sound but I can't help thinking after hearing the singers voice that it  seems much more typical of a singer in a rock band.

“Gemini Rising” is a accessible pop song that utilizes unique electronic components to create an engaging experience. The drums are huge (almost to the point of sounding industrial) as arpeggiated synths cascade throughout the song creating layers of sounds for the vocalist to sing over. He sings with conviction on this one as he stresses his vocal chords and doesn't hold back. “Shadow” is a hyper ballad, which contains a surplus of kinetic energy that omits from various synths, drums and bass. The song has a breakdown section that gets experimental and weaves through various parts before returning to the chorus of this song.

The album closes with the highlight of the album “Trouble Of Trust.” The song combines nostalgic delayed guitar with percussive elements as he delivers his most inspired vocal performance. It ends with a bang and delivers a satisfying end to the EP.

Marie and company are mighty talented and I hope to hear more from this group as this EP was satisfying but also seemed to be a teaser for a full-length album.

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