Love the CD
author: Colleen
I Love it, I keep playing it over and over.
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Solid from start to finish and should have people excited
author: John Richards - KEXP
Key Note Speaker's brand new release was one of those records I liked the first time I heard it, really liked the second time and then loved the third time around....plus I don't have the time to be reviewing anything 3 times all the way through. Its solid from start to finish and should have
people excited to see where they go from here. I know I am.
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one of the best
author: rick simmons
i have gotten a lot of cds from cdbaby this past year and key note speaker is one of the best. i have so enjoyed their music. i can't wait for more from them.
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....with each spin of fiction, the album infects your mind....
author: Daniel Beer - The Wig
If alarms of familiarity blare in your head while listening to Key Note Speaker, chances are you're an occasional patron to Starbucks. The songs "Breaking Down" and "Trouble" found themselves on regular rotation on Starbucks' in-store radio in 2004 when the band (then known as Coriander) were discovered by Starbucks Music Executive Timothy Jones. Having only formed in 2003, Key Note Speaker stands ready to present us their debut album fiction.
Listening to Scott Gallagher's voice on "Monday Morning" and "In The Air," I can't help but notice the apparent influence of R.E.M., possessing the same ability of Michael Stipe to tease your emotions and provoke buried memories. Throughout fiction there is an overwhelming stab of comfort with Dandy Warhols-esque melodies thanks to Gallagher's guitar and the keys of Chris Olson. The album ties together with the highly enchanting rhythms thanks to Joe Couden and Ed O'Brien, heard best on "Tomorrow."
One track that stands out as rather incongruous, yet fitting, with the others is "Pretty," by far the most emotional (and angry) song on the album. Pay close attention to guest appearances from Jen Wood (The Postal Service) on "In The Air" and Brent Arnold (Built to Spill, Modest Mouse) playing cello on "Goodnight" and "Smile."
Key Note Speaker proves they are not another bland pop-rock band destined to a short life on the airwaves of college radio.Take warning, however, with each spin of fiction, the album infects your mind a little bit more. Key Note Speaker plays familiar music that simultaneously feels alien to your ears; definitely not another formula band.
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