Music > Album Reviews

This Is The Kit - Off Off On

30/08/20

This is This Is The Kit’s fifth studio album and it was recorded in an isolated cottage in Wales literally just before the start of lockdown (who remembers that?) amidst some extremely dramatic weather conditions ranging from torrential storms, thunderous lightning and snow to glorious sunshine. Close by was a very aggressive river where the band regularly took a dunk in the ice-cold water to chill out from recording.

The result is that Off Off On is a majestic, joyous and uplifting album that has a thoroughly charming theme running through it. There is a real hidden beauty in it’s grooves such is the intensity and gorgeousness of their story telling lyrically, vocally and musically all of which are beautifully executed by the gorgeous vocals of Paris based band leader Kate Stables. She reminds me so much of Harriett Wheeler from The Sundays, she is a real dreamy treasure.

At the end of 2018 following on from the bands recent tour, she was invited to go and join The National on tour. She said that “It was so brilliant when I was writing to be away from my songs and the responsibility of overseeing a band or a project - just to forget about that for a while and be a minion in someone else’s band was brilliant, I loved it. I think it really helped my writing and my getting through whatever I needed to get through.”

Stables is joined by her regular band members of Neil Smith, Jesse D Vernon, Jamie Whitby Coles and the amazing Rozi Plain. They are such a richly talented group of musicians smashing out their quirky alternative jazzy folk rock, the blazing trumpets and banjo are an absolute delight. It was produced by Josh Kaufman the New York-based musician, Hold Steady collaborator and member of Bonny Light Horseman and Muzz.

Current single This Is What You Did is getting lots of airplay on Radio 6 and is bound to bring in some new followers I am sure of that.

I really can’t think of any other band that sounds anything like them right now or indeed in recent times, they are out there on their own, totally unique and that is so refreshing.

This Is The Kit are flying high, doing their own thing and long may it continue. The album really draws you in, it’s mysteriously refreshing and thoroughly absorbing indeed.It has depth and a lasting quality.

I cannot praise this album enough. It’s just so lovely, a real joy. Yes, you got it! I really am blowing their trumpet. Keep it going.

The album is released on the 23rd of October 2020.