Kaleidoscope Superior

Description

Kaleidoscope Superior is the major label debut by the American alternative rock band Earthsuit, an album released on Sparrow Records in 2000. The album features updated versions of select songs from the band’s two independent releases, as well as other new songs. “One Time” was the first single serviced to radio from the album and a music video was also shot for this track. The band would later morph into Mutemath.

Kicking off with an introduction which suggests an 80s rock revival, Earthsuit’s music actually revolves around a strong pop idiom, moving through styles in a manner similar to DC Talk‘s more recent outings. So we have the pseudo-reggae of the opener, some r ‘n’ b influences and a fair bit of funk and rap-based pop-rock.

The result is a fairly unique combination and there are a number of good tracks with strong hooks but the album as a whole seems to jump around a little too much. While it does show a fairly clear identity for the band, they don’t seem to build from a potentially strong core to develop an outstanding album, but rather bring their personality to a varying core with slightly less successful results.

A promising debut with strong pop credibility, but more an album of promise than a classic in its own right, if Earthsuit manage to keep up the momentum, ‘Kaleidoscope Superior’ could be a stepping stone towards an interesting career. [James Stewart, The Phantom Tollbooth, 10/19/2000]

No sooner do dc Talk (temporarily?) exit stage left than this red hot New Orleans five-piece burst through the curtains, sounding every inch potential stadium fillers. Their hook-filled tracks have been endorsed by both Kevin Max and Michael Tait along with our own Martin Smith, but those expecting safe, teen-friendly alternative pop are in for a surprise. Because for every catchy melody there’s a tasty Fender Rhodes-drenched jazz progression or, more commonly, a hard-as-nails rap barrage. Think what Rage Against The Machine would sound like if they discovered reggae, The Beatles and programming and you’re still miles off. Killer opener «One Time» has radio hit written all over it with twin vocalists Adam LaClave and Paul Meany swapping ragga, harmony and rap lines to outstanding effect. Other arms-in-the-air highlights, pinned down by Prince producer David Leonard, include the bouncy «Whitehorse» and «Osmosis Land», featuring the band’s manifesto lyric: “Bring the swing, let my God erupt”. While it will appeal to a wide cross section, the group’s variety could also prove their downfall. LaClave and Meany’s lyrics manage an earthy humility but time will tell whether they keep their feet on the ground amid the hyped up world of CCM. If they can, the sky’s the limit. [Peter Bate, Cross Rhythms, October 2000]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/kaleidoscope-superior/724770874)

CD tracklist:

01. One Time – 4:20
02. Wheel – 3:45
03. Whitehorse – 4:15
04. Against the Grain – 3:27
05. Do You Enjoy the Distortion? – 4:20
06. Wonder – 4:06
07. Osmosis Land – 3:55
08. Schizophreniac – 3:56
09. Said the Sun to the Shine – 4:26
10. Sky Flashings – 4:57

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Sparrow Records.

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