Melbourne band Kaz Garaz is a group of very fine gentlemen who bleed the summer of love feeling and a good bit of humor on their second EP Something To Help Pass The Time. The grooves are groovy, the melodies catchy and the lyrics a sort of high-brow parody that comes off very pleasantly.
They boast a thoroughly “Euro” sound that incorporates the snarl of Alex Turner and the colorful palette of Franz Ferdinand and Cream. Tasty licks weave throughout, courtesy of lead guitarist William Soulsby, who affects the bluesy excitement of a hot pot of soup bowling over. Check out “Dunce in the Corner” for Soulsby on center stage, delivering riffs like a young Kenny Burrell while his mates bash through the mid-tempo blues, virtual transplants of the chitlin-circuit. At four fast tracks, Something To Help Pass The Time is in concept a grab bag of differing styles meant to showcase Kaz Garaz as a highly competent band that are still trying to find an individual footing. What distinguishes the boys as they wear their influences like thrift-store fashion are high quality lyrics and a cohesive production style which builds on crunchy guitar tones, melodic bass lines, tight arrangements and a relatable vocal. A combination of “in-jokes” and recorded studio goofiness elevates Kaz Garaz from just another retro-rock outfit to those cool friends who light up any room. “Swill” with its minor progression and rapid-delivery reeks of 20-something emotion and hefty bar tabs. The staccato chops and fuzzed out guitar that transitions back to a subdued vocal and guitar define Kaz Garaz’ use of unexpected dynamics to keep listeners on their heels. In my opinion, Kaz Garaz hit a stride with their second release that few young bands are able to these days, packing not only a high set of songs, but a distinctive personality into a breezy 15 minutes. I’m left wanting more music, and more information on these boys who so effortlessly convey a wit and worldliness that simply cannot be ignored. Obviously, outgrowing their influences and forming a more individual sound out of the disparate styles presented on Something To Help Pass The Time is the expected evolution, and a longer playing release would be a delight. But until then, count me at the party.
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