Album Review: The KVB - Minus One

Before the UK duo of Nicholas Wood and Kat Day hit our shores next month in support of The Brian Jonestown Massacre, The KVB have released this little gem to whet our appetites. It's their third album, but their first on Anton Newcombe's label A Recordings, which has given them plenty of time to hone their sound before all the psych/rock/garage/shoegaze/alternative/all-the-genres fans check them out live.

Based on this record, punters should go along for the supports, buy the record, and hey, why not get a t-shirt? Minus One is a shoegaze wash-out, starting with Again & Again. The song immediately shows off ambient vocals, measured drum machine, minimalist synth lines, wailing guitar and a sensual bassline to create a soundscape that plays homage to the likes of the gods of shoegaze: The Jesus & Mary Chain, My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive.

Dominance/Submission feels like an obvious high point and is the band at its least derivative. The seven-minute track is up-tempo and plays most with the synth and effects pedals. At times, it actually sounds like wind is whipping around you, while Wood, in his signature monotone, mumbles something indiscernible in your ear. Thanks to the sprawling breakdown it feels original, while also fitting into the late '80s/early '90s period where this kind of “noise” was at its peak.

There is no stand-out track – rather the album blends into one reverb-soaked epic, without getting boring. It swells and dives and makes the most of that '80s-esque synth and bass drone throughout, but especially in closer Radiant Hour.