Album Review: Otenki - Kinetic
With an impressive back-catalogue and a solid stint of touring already under their belt, it seems as though the Texas based sextet, Otenki, have got their formula just right. With the absence of a major release in the last couple of years, the band return with the enlisted help of acclaimed producer, James Paul Wisner (Paramore, UnderØath, Dashboard Confessional), with their new EP ‘Kinetic’.The EP emphatically opens with the title track ‘Kinetic’. Thanks to the modest pop-punk revival occurring in the US, the song is able to utilise every component in the genre to bring the EP to life right from the beginning. The song is heavy yet unabrasive, and even incorporates a synth “solo” in the break, which was relatively unexpected!
‘Ghosts’ is the only single so far to come from the EP and, although it’s is a solid track, it isn’t particularly clear as to why it’s been chosen above the rest. You’re given a sound that echoes the likes of Anberlin/Senses Fail, and there is a particular air of nostalgia, however, the track does hold its own, it just so happens that any song on the EP is single material.
With an interesting mix of synthesiser and driving instrumentation, there is an exquisite balance of power and delicacy that is further complimented by melodic vocal work. Whilst the music itself isn’t necessarily ground-breaking, Otenki prove to be innovators when shaping their own musical influences into their “own sound”; none more so than in the final two tracks ‘Glory Be’ and ‘Violence’, where emotion and subtlety is key, giving the EP a strong and suited ending.
Otenki are certainly starting to prove that they are a true exponent in the current pop-punk scene, with this is EP being testament to that. The music is energetic and powerful with the songwriting void of cliché; ‘Kinetic’ is the surely the ideal stepping-stone for the band to take towards some serious recognition.
3.5/5
'Kinetic' by Otenki is released on June 28th.
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Sandeep Dawett
