Kaleidoscope Effect - Ivories

​Kaleidoscope Effect

Ivories
self-released; 2016

3.6 out of 5

By Andrew Westberry

Based in the twin cities of Minnesota, the four members of Kaleidoscope Effect met at McNally Smith College of Music, where they lived together and studied music production and recording. After releasing their first album in 2014, Kaleidoscope Effect released Ivories in late 2016 and are currently finishing up recording their second full- length album which will be released in 2017.

Swelling steel guitar chords, lazy yet crisp percussion and solid piano playing welcome the listener to the record in the intro of “Hazeltine.”.The track takes cues from alternative country, folk and pop styles with Jordan Goldberger’s mellow, alluring vocals leading the band through the dynamic tune and background vocals and guitars completing the soundscape as it progresses.

Reversed audio from a piano creates an ambient, experimental atmosphere in “Where Are You Tonight” before the song launches into the piano-focused, driving power anthem that is as harmonious and melodic as it is quick and aggressive. Pulsing bass and drum solos pepper the track, and carefully placed electric guitar riffs add much flavor to the song without overwhelming the listener.

The next track “Wondering” continues in the piano-heavy pop style that characterizes much of Kaleidoscope Effect’s music. Conventional song structure and mostly surprise-free chording choices make this song very accessible to fans of many genres, yet the band succeeds in infusing the song with their own personalities and unique style.

​The album comes to a close with “Four Stories” a celebratory and thoughtful track that incorporates soaring vocals, ambient guitar riffs, powerful percussion and lush piano chords into a strong emotive piece. As a band, Kaleidoscope Effect has accomplished in a very short time what many bands fail to ever achieve, and Ivories is just one example of the group’s collective talent and skill.

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