Kidderkit- Kidderkit

Artist: Kidderkit
CD Title: Self Titled
Label: Self Produced
Reviewer: Jeremy Eckhart
Date: 12/22/2004

Recently I was sent an ep from a one member project from New York known as Kidderkit. The packaging really caught my eye at first because it consists of a four pointed star folded around a mini disc. When I opened it and listened to it, I didn't know exactly how to feel, and I found it hard to follow. So I cleared my mind and listened to it a few more times.

Kidderkit, otherwise known as Jonathan Lee, is a very different musical experience then I am used to. With elements of experimental, rock, jam, electronica, and industrial all meshed together into one, it is quite a bit to digest in one sitting.

As the album started to sink in, I noticed there were a few things about it that I really liked. The programming, samples, production, and sound quality are great. The songs each have a personality of their own, and after allowing them to communicate to you, they all have something to offer.

The song "Hissy Fit" is by far the strongest and strangest song on the album. Heavily pinched synth loops, an addictive drum beat, and fiiting samples that lend nothing but substance to the ambient feeling conveyed by the quiet vocals.

The songs range from slow and etheral to beat heavy and trance-like. Kidderkit mix things up so much, that when you think you have it figured out, they turn the sound upside down and change everything.

And I think that is where the weakness lies with Kidderkit. It is almost as if they change gears and pace too much, or too sudden. It disturbs the continuity of the album as a whole, and make the songs lose any sense of cohesion. At times the programming gets a little dense and almost wanders into the land of over-kill.

This is an interesting Ep, I enjoyed it, and I am curious to see how the Kidderkit sound develops. With a little decisiveness, I think they could really catch fire in the current musical climate. Lee is a talented musician and songwriter... he just needs to pinpoint his sound.

For more info, go to:
www.kidderkit.com