BATU KURA KURA - Circle of Stars

BATU KURA KURA

Circle of Stars
self-released; 2015

3.6 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Kyle Pesonen (drums), Michael Blodgett (guitars), Chris Pendergraft (vocals/guitars) and Von Bongstein (bass) are Batu Kura Kura. The band recently released Circle of Stars, which showcases some of the band’s talent.

Batu Kura Kura plays a brand of rock that in my opinion sounds as much of an instantiated definition of the word as you are going to get. The tone of texture of these songs comes from a ‘70s rock aesthetic that falls in the likes of Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. Is it even arguable that the ‘70s has the best rock bands the world has ever seen? It might be but ‘70s metal/garage rock that Batu Kura Kura will appeal to the people who grew up in that era and a younger generation.

More than ever 70’s rock revivalists have been popping up all over the place. I for one welcome it and Batu Kura Kura does a good job embracing the forefathers of rock. The EP even starts off with a song that’s title feels like it came right out of the ‘70’s. “She’s A Killer” is a solid opener with crunchy guitar melodies and a catchy vocal melody. I was diggin’ the reverb laced vocals and the sustained guitar solo.  

The band continues to feed the groove with “Circle of Stars.” I just loved the energy on this song that has some attitude as well as psychedelic tendencies. This is the type of song that would sound awfully good on a Saturday night in a packed bar with a beer in your hand. I was caught by surprise at the end when the band goes on a magical mystery tour implementing eastern instruments. Backing sounding effects, tablas, oh yes - give me some of that.

The band does some serious rocking out on “Ouroboros.” Waves of white noise from guitars cover the songs as the rhythm section keeps the energy going. “Mars Is Rising” features some solid lead guitar and lyrics, which conjure grand ideas. Pendergraft sings, “Who rules the sky tonight / War is everywhere / Where is the god of light / Have your lost it somewhere / Mars is Rising / Rising Up into the Sky." They close with “Last Call In Hells Kitchen” which is a great name by the way and moves along a slower pace but also feels quite epic. 

​Batu Kura Kura is welcome in my playlist alongside some of the great. These guys rock in the way god intended and come up with great song titles. 

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