Search - Kinski :: Be Gentle With the Warm Turtle

Blissed out 'space' rock

RockerDad | Renton, WA USA | 09/11/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, Kinski are often labelled 'space' rock, but actually their influences reach somewhat beyond just the krautrock (Can, Neu, etc.) and psychedelia (Acid Mothers Temple, Hawkwind, etc.) influences. Yes, those sounds are clearly present here, but you also hear traces of shoegazer (Ride, My Bloody Valentine, etc.) and American indie/noise rock (Yo La Tengo and Sonic Youth). What make Kinski stand out (for me at least), is that they take these influences to a new level. Forget Mogwai, Explosions in the Sky, and all those other 'genre' bands (I find Oneida and Comets on Fire are the only worthwhile contemporary comparisons).



Kinski's song structure, dynamics, delivery, and sheer volume of sound are stunning. I actually first heard them live at Bumbershoot 2003 in Seattle, Let me say that I have seen many, many bands live (in the hundreds), and no one has blown me away like Kinski did that day. Absolutely blisteringly loud, kick-ass noise rock, with a perfectly structured set. Immediately, I went out and bought 'Airs Above Your Station', their new album at the time. Slightly worried it might not live up to their live show, I was very pleasantly surprised. Yes, it has some mellow moments, but nonetheless the album is amazing.



Then I sought out this album (which I am still unclear as to whether it is technically their first or second album??). For me, it's not quite as expansive as 'Airs', but the set of rock tunes are otherwise equally great. From the Sonic Youth-inspired 'Daydream Intonation' to the Yo La Tengo-sounding 'New India', their influences at the time were clear, but they do them justice by taking the music to a new level.



Even though this is essentially an instrumental album (with the exception of 'Newport', with some singing by Chris Martin-an amazing song by the way), fans of indie rock in general should absolutely check these guys out. If possible, every effort made to see them live is worth it. They will blow you away (if you own earplugs, you'd be wise to use them)."

Mixes slow, medium, fast tunes to swooping effect

John L Murphy | Los Angeles | 04/11/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Why isn't Kinski more popular? Maybe the name's to blame: do people think it's a solo album by Nasstasja or a reissue of Klaus? This second album, and their first cohesive one made as such, rocks and rests. It occupies confidently a middle ground between Sonic Youth or Mogwai's now-familiar volume ups and downs and the dronier side of lesser known bands like Subarachnoid Space or Surface of Eceon. This sort of alteration in loud/soft goes way back before Nirvana perhaps to Slint's "Spiderland". It moves more fluidly than much of the overly math-rock/post-rock, and knows when it's time's up and the next song needs to take the spotlight.



What Kinski adds is its ability to conduct the various styles without seeming like dilettantes or incompetents. They love their influences, but they mix them for a richer blend: space explorations, meditative minimalism, and propulsive rockers ensure that each song stands on its own well. These three phases of the album each appear, entertain, and then bow out gracefully as the next cut takes center stage. Once in a while they overlap. This ability to play off these different incarnations of the band only improves on later albums such as "Airs Above Your Station" and "Alpine Static." And, they do have intriguing album titles--adding a curious cover pic here!



With no vocals to interfere, this mood music in its variety keeps you involved even in the very slow opening parts as well as the energy of "Newport" (as in Terrascope?) and "Daydream Intonation"--nice nod to Sonic Youth's title there. It's an album that has a great range of emotions and is accessible and engrossing without being superficial or trendy. While some have considered this too low-key, I like that it does not get too bogged down in any one of the three phases I've classified."

Kinski - 'Be Warm With The Warm Turtle' (Strange Attractors)

Mike Reed | USA | 05/21/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Looks to be this band's second CD. Personally, I liked 'Airs Above Your Station' and 'Alpine Static' better (see my reviews of both). Tracks here that show the most promise are "Spacelaunch For Frenchie", the trippy "New India" and maybe "One Ear In The Sun". Because of those three cuts alone, I plan to hang onto my copy of 'Be Warm'. Overall, it's so-so indie space rock. Old school Kinski fans may obviously get more out of this disc than I did. Enjoy."