KtheV (know the void) - Upsie Daises

KtheV (know the void)

Upsie Daises
self-released; 2016

3.7 out of 5

By Andrew Westberry
​

College student Kenyon Icenogle has been writing songs since he was twelve, and he is the founder of KtheV, or Know the Void, a collaborative music project between Icenogle and a few of his friends. Icenogle’s songwriting style has been influenced by classic rock and roll, alternative, experimental and electronic genres, and his debut concept album Upsie Daisies demonstrates his eclectic musical background.

​Beginning with “Mourning Sickness” the album opens with a relaxed groove composed of electric guitars, electronic percussion, electronic riffs and vocals that seamlessly blend into a swaying, somewhat dark tune. “For Our Me” turns up the energy and delves into a highly experimental style in which alternating moods and abstract percussion make for a truly intriguing listening experience.

Combining smooth synthesizers with harsh guitars and gravelly vocals, “A Stick And A Stone” precedes “Elementary And Grey” a more traditional rock song with unconventional chords that border between grunge and jazz. “Death To A Dream” features echoing percussion, haunting guitars and strong vocals in a powerful anthem infused with rock and alternative styles.

Veering towards a more serene mood, “Eye Of The Day” highlights Icenogle’s technical skills with an acoustic guitar as well as his ability to form cohesive, ethereal soundscapes with his voice and accompanying synthesizers. Perhaps the most catchy song on the album, the highly danceable ”Peace Love & Lobotomies” brings a sharp energy to the record as the pulsing bass and drums drive the song swiftly until the end.

“Over My Dead Body” and “Had A Kin” both explore experimental and novel sounds in two speculative pieces. These unprecedented tracks demonstrate Icenogle’s absolute courage in taking his music to places previously unknown. “Save The Humans” and “Only Over And Gone” return to more familiar musical territory with strumming guitars and quick hi-hats leading along with Icenogle’s wistful vocals.

The album quickly winds down with “Only Over And Gone” a beautiful piece full of acoustic plucking and droning sounds. The record ends on a high note with “Rising From The Ashes” a spoken word poem that transitions into a meditation track infused with isochronic tones. As a whole, Upsie Daisies runs the gamut of modern music, and KtheV finds successful ways to create extraordinary music from extravagant, experimental ideas.

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