2015 has been a unique year so far for album releases. A lot of acts from the independent underground have been putting out quality material over the past few months, which makes the halfway point of the 2010s pretty enjoyable. Another act that deserves to be put in this exclusive group are psychedelic power pop phenoms Kuroma and their new release Kuromarama. A lot of energy with a cool groove, this quartet has catchy lyrics to go with a rhythmic structure that creates an infectious sound. If you’re looking for the tunes to get you amped for summer, Kuroma might just be that refreshing discovery that you’ve been craving.
One interesting thing about Kuroma is their numerous connections with fellow psychedelics MGMT. James Richardson and Hank Sullivant have gone on tour with MGMT on numerous occasions by assisting the duo of Ben Goldwasser & Andrew VanWyngarden, and Goldwasser actually produced Kuromarama. There’s a distinct influence from MGMT on Kuroma’s sound with the pop sensibilities and aesthetics that’s abundant from track to track. With the rock riffs from the guitars to go along with everything else, you can’t help but fall in love with the music.
I’ve noticed quite a rarity in New England these days — people are actually smiling! Maybe because the weather is warmer and the sun is shining, but it’s better than the winter we all had to deal with. Keep that smile going and indulge in my top tracks from the Album Of The Week.
Exuding pure fun and bringing a righteous vibe, “Love Is On The Way” is one of the top candidates for being the rock song of the summer. If that guitar doesn’t get you in a good mood, I don’t know what will. With more of a punk tone, “20+ Centuries” is fast and rhythmic; it’ll start a dance party in your humble abode no matter who’s around. The opening beat sequence of “Simon’s In The Jungle” makes me think that it would be in one of those cheesy driving instruction videos from the 1980s, but it’s an excellent example of the catchiness that Kuroma possesses.
Wondering if Kuroma will be heading to Providence anytime soon? Well, you’re in luck! They’ll be at The Parlour on April 25 with badass alt-rockers Ex Hex and local indie pop act Littlefoot. It’s going to be an awesome show amongst a jam packed weekend of musical madness, so plan accordingly. While you’re there, pick up a copy of Kuromarama. It’s catchy, groovy and all sorts of awesome.
Listen to “20+ Centuries” here: soundcloud.com/realkuroma/20-centuries-1