Key of K - Japan/Fleas (Independent)

Key of K is one of those bands, like Low , Piano Magic .. even early Neil that imparts immediately a sense of timelessness and mystery. The chords, lyrics and pacing of their music shares equal importance with a real sense of situation, mood, the subtly dark evocations that spring to mind when enveloped in their unique.

Most likely to the point of annoyance, I’ve told these folk (who prefer to travel a mysterious path, incognito) how much the music reminds me of the early “Paisely Underground” sound that sprang from 80s LA, with heady shades of Opal and Rain Parade , folded in with the twist of granular country and Crazy Horse jams. It all coalesces in a shiveringly, wholly enveloping sound. This incredibly rare lathe cut flexidisc 7” is also to be released as a free digital taste of a forthcoming full length.

“Japan” strips the song down to a barely adorned but driving acoustic strum, liminal leslie-d guitar floats around the melody while the vocals speak a reverie of departure song and a harmonica peals into the darkness. “Fleas” sees the full band creating chill, smoky moodscapes with swelling harmonies and pulsing organ, managing to be downtempo but driving at the same time. The delayed vocals give way to tortured guitar solos and resolve in dark crashing waves of verse.. Key of K manages to pack some major dynamics into seemingly simple songs. A beautiful, mellifluous and dark recording that should hold most listeners happily rapt.