Karma Destination rescued a night down the Garage in Highbury earlier this year supporting an under achieving Ambershades. Running away with the night from under the noses of the other three bands it was with anticipation that ‘Produced Out of Cycle’ was introduced to the W&H CD player.
And we weren't disappointed either. Although not up to their own excellent live standard (but bearing in mind this is self produced) Karma Destination have released a four track EP that offers nothing but positive signs for the future.
Opening with ‘Storm To Calm’ they immediately set out their stall. Unmistakeably from the Manchester area the obvious reference points remain The Verve, The Doves and The Musics first album with a bit of U2 thrown in for good measure. To their credit they maintain a unique personality amongst these influences. ‘Storm To Calm’ is a slow burning number that builds through the vocals and some nice understated guitar playing.
‘Soul Tired’ really lets the vocals of Davey C get to work and what a fine voice this man has, edging into the realms of an extra instrument rather than just a means of conveying lyrics. As the music builds so does his voice weaving in and out of the layers of noise laid down by the band.
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‘Walkabout’ sees the band take centre stage, at least to begin with. The intro comes over as a haunted U2 before moving into cascading guitars and a mournful vocal. Closer ‘Hey Now’ is the personal favourite of this writer being the closest they get to their live sound. Walls of guitar back up the best vocal performance on this EP leading to a devastating finish.
What we’d really like to see is Karma Destination given the time and backing to spend some serious time in the studio. Then you may just see them realise their full potential. In the meantime this EP is a great start.
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