Kelvox1 - Grazed Red
by Andy Cassidy
published: 28 / 1 / 2012

Label:
Aagoo Records
Format: CD
intro
Unsettling debut album from Cambridge trio Kelvox1, who work with both conventional electronic instruments and found objects
The first thing I read about Kelvox1’s debut album 'Grazed Red' was the following description: “Haunted underwater glitch-step from Cambridge. Burial meets David Lynch meets ‘Let’s Dance’ meets Sega Megadrive.” How could I resist? Kelvox1 are a three-piece from Cambridge who work with conventional electronic instruments as well as found objects. Unlike other glitch-step groups, Kelvox1 use the space in which the recording takes place as an instrument. This lends a ghostly quality to their recording, and while the idea is hardly new – this technique is essentially a contemporary take on Spector’s Wall of Sound – it does set them apart from their peers. The group describe this process as a wilful lack of complete control which mirrors the human condition. Implicit in this recording technique is the notion that a piece of music is in itself an atmosphere to be occupied, a collection of vibrations within which the band or the listener is enveloped. Musically 'Grazed Re'd is painted from the same palette as Mount Vernon Arts Lab’s 'Gummy Twinkle' over which sit vocals of varying clarity. In many instances, the various sounds bleed into one another creating entirely new – and exciting – textures which take the listener deeper into the music. There is a mesmeric quality to the album, a sense of darkness and vague menace, a dream-like fluidity which might turn at any moment into a nightmare. I really enjoyed this album, but I would offer the following caveat – this is not an album which is easy to listen to. There is a depth to the music which could render one extremely uneasy given the right circumstances. Personally, I enjoy the minimalism of albums such as 'Grazed Red' and I find them, even with the dark undertones, very relaxing. I realise however, that not everyone shares my enthusiasm. To my mind, this is a particularly good album. I would, however, stop short of a full recommendation and suggest that it might be best to try before you buy.
Track Listing:-
1 Hanged Man2 Stephen - Grazed Red
Band Links:-
http://kelvox1.bandcamp.com/http://kelvox1.tumblr.com/
https://www.facebook.com/kelvox1
Label Links:-
http://www.aagoo.com/https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aagoo-records/147333939795
https://twitter.com/Aagoo
most viewed articles
current edition
Yardbirds - Interview with Jim McCartyPeter Doherty - Blackheath Halls, Blackheath and Palace Halls, Watford, 18/3/2025 and 21/3/2025
Johnny Cash - Video Vault
John Philip Shenale - Interview
Max Bianco and the BlueHearts - Troubadour, London, 29/3/2025
Armory Show - Interview with Richard Jobson
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey - Interview
Vapors - Interview
Loft - Interview
Waeve - Club Academy, Manchester, 18/3/2025
most viewed reviews
current edition
Bryan Ferry and Amelia Barrett - Loose TalkIvor Game - When Will You Fall Into My Loving Arms?
Gabriel Moreno - Nights in the Belly of Bohemia
Doris Brendel and Lee Dunham - Big Blue Sky
Brooke Combe - Dancing at the Edge of the World
Bryan Adams - Live at the Royal Albert Hall 2024
Ringo Starr - Look Up
FKA twigs - Eusexua
Leon Bridges - Leon
Various - Ambientale
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart