KaiserCartel "March Forth" (BlueHamMock Music, 2009)

KaiserCartel’s lo-fi pop sensibilities make an impression

KaiserCartel are a duo formed from Courtney Kaiser & Benjamin Cartel. They write original songs and this is their debut record which was produced by Matt Hales & mixed by Ken Thomas (Sigur Ros).

Formed in 2004 when two Brooklyn based musicians joined forces to tour the country in the summer of 2004. Courtney started singing aged two, and has played with The Wallflowers, Sean Lennon & John Mellencamp; Benjamin is a multi-talented instrumentalist from North East coast of the USA. Now residing in Redhook, Brooklyn they have delivered an impressive if quirky debut.

The two share lead vocals, and the songs present the listener with a challenge of making an effort to get to know the songs, as the lo-fi, innovative arrangements will pay dividends. The production is similar to some of Salim Nourallah’s solo efforts. It is an infectious record, the best example is ‘Blue Sky’ which shows the strength of the song writing, superb playing & arrangements plus the combination of the two voices in harmony. At times the string arrangements sound reminiscent to Josh Rouse’s ‘Dressed Up Like Nebraska’. The duo even allow themselves the luxury of some self indulgence with a hidden bonus track at the end & offer their thanks to everyone before ending the record.

KaiserCartel write great songs and I can heartily recommend this record for those with the patience to listen.

Date review added:  Friday, July 10, 2009
Reviewer:  andy riggs
Reviewers Rating:
Related web link:  label website