Civilization 1 - Kero Kero Bonito: EP Review
is a British indie pop trio who became one of the rare acts to transcend blowing up on the back of a meme as their song Flamingo went viral in 2015. But since then the band has released two critically acclaimed albums that have established them as one of the sweeter and more reliable voices in indie music. 2016's Bonito Generation was a bubbly and bright j-pop fusion record that caught the indie world by storm with its infectious songwriting, while 2018'a Time N Place was a turn for a much more indie rock infused sound that featured more conventional instrumentation paired with shrill and shimmering electronics. After dropping a great single in the lead up to this new EP KKB has the potential to take on any number of sounds going forward.
Review By Lavender:
I have been enjoying Kero Kero Bonito's music since 2015 and the groups ability to blend and transcend genres has only proven how creative they are. After dropping a very solid EP and album last year I've been looking forward all year to what was coming next from the band, so after they dropped an excellent single just a few weeks ago my expectations were high. While Civilization 1 is decent, its a short and inconsistent moment that won't be a memorable moment along the bands path.
Twice now I've mentioned how this EP hit the ground running with a great single and I certainly mean it, When The Fires Come is an absolutely killer track. The song is insanely catchy and features some amazing pan flute and keys that take point while sweet jungle percussion provides the base. The hook and it's instrumental climax are absolutely amazing and this song embodies absolutely everything that makes Kero Kero Bonito so captivating.
The River is another track on this short EP that I thought was decent it has some intricate keys and a fun sound but it isn't the tightest songwriting I've ever heard from the group. The only track I didn't care for was the opener Battle Lines. It has a very busy instrumental with a lot of muddy features that don't really get along well and even at the core of the track I don't think there is much catchy or interesting about it.
Kero Kero Bonito has been releasing great music for years and will continue to release great music going forward but Civilization 1 probably won't be known for much more than its excellent single When The Fires Come, yet in an EP weak 2019 it may even have a shot at my year end lists. 6/10
