Shawn Semchuk (vocals/guitar), Nevin Buehler (bass) and Eric Regnier (drums) are Small Kitchen Radio. They started back in 2011 but like most bands members left, changes were made, etc. The band from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada is back with a recently released EP entitled Parts.
The band mentions “The songs are all very much hard rock, blending influences from Rush, Foo Fighters, Soundgarden, Queens Of The Stone Age, Bush, Primus, Pearl Jam and Green Day.”Suffice it to say this is a rock based EP. The band gets rolling with “Living In The Amber Lights” which is sort of bluesy riff with a Queens Of The Stone Age like approach to the delivery. It’s a catchy tune that’s fun and doesn't seem to take itself too seriously. There are a number of solid, crunchy riffs. The band sounds tight and I felt it was a solid introduction to their sound. “Galvanized” is next. This song was a little more emotive. I really liked the vocals on this song but the whole band holds it together here. The energy and vibe has a ’90s edge to it. I would argue even a little late ’80s. I thought the guitars were treated well. Great song but it didn’t really have a clear hook. There’s a lengthy instrumental section where the band flexes some of their technical skills. “Like Home” is sort of a ballad, at least aesthetically. The song felt tender but still rocks. I thought the guitar work was dynamic, sometimes punctuating certain moments. Semchuk declares “You feel a lot like home.” “Small Guy Big Nose Old Man Hat” was a highlight. This song was a blast. It begins with feedback as if they are about to rock and they sure do. The groove is fast and prog rock inspired. They quickly move to the verse with a syncopated rhythm. I thought the vocals were top notch as well. This song has some of the best riffs. That being said this is another song that doesn't have a chorus or hook. “Lost & Found” very much had a ’90s alternative vibe. The song has a lot of solid riffs and is a straightforward song but also arguably the most single worthy. “Bang On Lulu” is a punk song. It does sound a little out of place as this song seems to be somewhere between The Ramones and Dropkick Murphys. The recording quality was on the lo-fi side. I thought a little more fidelity at points would have worked but overall it worked for the raw rock songs. This is a solid release with inviting songs that I think fans of the aforementioned bands will appreciate. Take a listen.
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