Description
Live in Focus is a six-track live CD-EP by the American indie rock band Kings Kaleidoscope, independently released in March 2014. The recording of all tracks were filmed as well. The EP was recorded by Baird and Chad Gardner, live at Chief Kanim Middle School in February 10th, 2014; with Gardner producing. Mixed by Brett Baird. Kings Kaleidoscope is a 10 members strong alternative band based in Seattle, Washington.
Kings Kaleidoscope are a band based at America’s much talked about Mars Hill church. The album sounds like it has been recorded as live which gives it a nice edge – unusual for American praise-and-worship recordings, but very welcome as it has an energy that can often be slicko-produced out of albums. The band includes a string section and horns, and there is a retro feel which takes me back (a long way back) to the fondly-remembered Liberation Suite (flute on «Higher Throne» and «Felix Culpa» even features a trombone solo!). Opener «Felix Culpa», built around a nice guitar figure, and second track «Seek The Kingdom» are up tempo and third cut «Defender» has a controlled frenzy that reminds me of Arcade Fire. «Fix My Eyes» then brings a nice change of pace with pizzicato strings and is followed by a cover of «Be Thou My Vision» which starts slow and builds into another Arcade Fire-like kitchen-sink-everyone-go-for-it finish. The sudden end didn’t work for me though. Closer «Higher Throne» is another slower song which builds with a lovely flute riff and big drums before dropping back to a sparse ending. Musically this is a strong set of songs and a refreshing change to the sub-Delirious?/U2 sound of so many praise and worship recordings. The playing is good and tight and the lead singer has a great voice. Lyrically it’s a shame that nothing in the other five songs really comes close to the brilliance of «Be Thou My Vision», sticking instead mostly to another recycling of the usual stock phrases. [Paul Keeble, Cross Rhythms, August 2014]
CD-EP tracklist:
01. Fix My Eyes
02. Felix Culpa
03. Seek The Kingdom
04. Defender
05. Be Thou My Vision
06. Higher Throne
Note: Limited Edition CD and custom artwork created and signed by the band. Stamped, hand numbered and signed by the band (Only 100 available). Available at Bandcamp: https://kingsk.bandcamp.com/album/live-in-color
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.