kidpolaroid - Lossless

kidpolaroid

Lossless
self-released; 2016

3.9 out of 5

By Matt Jensen
​

Talent is an interesting thing. Some people seem to be born with it; other times people have to put in the reps and out work the competition. The combination of the two whether it's in sports, music or business is where you get the people who seem to stick out from the competition. It may be a bit early to say but kidpolaroid aka Kyle Miller maybe the type of person who possesses both.

Miller is currently attending the very well known Berklee College of Music to refine and surpass the innate talent he possesses. Some of that talent I’m talking about is certainly heard on his release Lossless (ep).

Lossless (ep) was written/performed/recorded/mixed/mastered all in Miller’s bedroom. The results are frankly much better than they should be. I was not only impressed by the originality and songwriting but also by the production. His music is experimental yet catchy and he certainly understands different elements that can drive a song.

First up is “sun sacrament” which is arguably the highlight. The song runs seven minutes long and not a second is wasted. It starts off with dark, distant pads, which could be used to set the milieu in a horror film. Once the drums and fuzz synth bass enters I knew I was in for a treat. There is a nice flow and groove, which could have some comparisons to Radiohead. The vocals are soft-spoken, almost monotone at points. Miller sings, “We live no more than the sound of cries live in air filled bubbles choked out by ticking hands.” By the three-minute mark Miller is already breaking down the song in a successful, experimental way. He easily and seamlessly finds his way to the verse while exploring some dissonance with his guitar. The ending goes further in the rabbit hole of experimentation, which may be a little too much for those who are able to enjoy what the fringe of music can provide.

​“Slow” is another success. The guitar provides stuttering blocks of white noise and a focal point giving it a flavor of shoegaze. There are again some very inventive transitions and parts throughout the song. “Torn from” is a little more predictable and standard sound but still quite enjoyable while “refuge” is the most intense, hard-hitting song with aggressive vocals.

Miller is graduating from college soon and I have a feeling he won’t have many problems finding his niche in music. As young as he is we should be hearing plenty more from him in the future.

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