Kinch

Though the local scene is, on the whole, dominated by electro-indie, Arizona's best album of the year is nothing like that. Kinch sounds more like a Britpop band than anything else, but they're inarguably brilliant playing either cocky rock ("A Tantrum") or sensitive piano ballads ("Memphis"). I've listened to Advances at least 30 times, and it might just find a spot on my Village Voice Pazz & Jop poll. It's that good.

-Martin Cizmar - Phoenix New Times (Village Voice)

They come out of the gate like a seasoned Britpop band already on its third album. Comparisons that are trotted out too frequently include Radiohead (understandable, as the Kinch boys are risk-takers; more on that later), The Strokes, Oasis (because of snotty rockers like "Making Out in the Library" and "All I've Done"), Coldplay, and Ben Folds (because of piano ballads like "Memphis" and the time-tricky "Girls Are Such a Problem," which soars into gorgeous wordless "ahhh" airspace in the middle and never comes down).

http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2008-11-13/music/kinch-makes-advances-by-giving-their-first-album-away/ - Phoenix New Times (Village Voice)

With a name based on the protagonist of classic novel "Ulysses," Kinch has been taking its home state, Arizona, by storm. The Phoenix-based pop/rock band knows the value of a good marketing scheme. The band's full-length debut, "Advances," was released free to download in April.

"It really is a good way to build a fan-base and make friends," said lead singer, pianist and guitar player Andrew Junker. - Las Cruces Sun (New Mexico)

This band is for all the Pitchfork readers. These guys are hardworking with tons of potential. - TheDailyChorus.com

KINCH is definitely one of the more creative bands appearing on the Phoenix music scene. This bands' fearless effort to be experimental has paid off with their unique range of sound from a power pop rock vibe that transitions into a more euro-pop sound and back again. - CopperStateMusic.com

With the release of Advances Kinch have shown that they are ready to become the next must hear band to come out of Phoenix. Although they have been playing across the valley for a few years now, the last few months have seen the band gaining momentum steadily based on a solid live show and some great pop jams. Last month they self-released their debut record Advances, which they have been giving away for free, and embarked on their first full tour. Net month they have two killer shows, one with Nightmare Of You and the second with local heroes Dear And The Headlights, both at The Clubhouse in Tempe.


Despite Advances being only their debut record there is a sophistication and maturity many acts never reach much less begin with. Their pop sensibility have been drawing comparisons to Coldplay and The Strokes, but I feel they are much closer to rock bands like The Hold Steady, Koufax, or Gang Of Four although vocally they share nothing in common with the former of the three. The album has three stand out tracks. The first song Fare Forward starts with a great build up with piano going into a full force bombardment of a Spector-ish Wall of Sound with great vocal melodies and horns. The build up and momentum of the song is near perfection. Girls Are Such A Problem takes a far different approach taking you on a gentle stroll through a beautiful piano and vocal melody while you almost never notice the accompaniment of instruments because they bleed in so naturally. As Andrew sings the lines “I am so tired of being alone, At least I am used of it by now. I read magazines until midnight, then I sleep and dream of you” he manages to captures loneliness in a way that is heartfelt and never whiny. Synaesthesia is far more up beat a bit darker than the rest of the album making it one of the most dramatic songs on the album. - PhxAgenda.com

It was right about then I detected a sound that seemed out of place amidst a largely experiemental rock band show. It was a piano. It was a piano pumping out a rock 'n' roll foundation upon which the musicians on stage were adding classic rock guitar lines and bar rock vocals.

kinch.jpg

Everyone was asking themselves the same question: Who are these guys?

On stage were Andrew Junker, Brian Coughlin and Jake Malone who formed the band Kinch in 1999 while attending Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix. The three members left town to attend separate colleges, but managed to create an EP Postal Service style and gig around L.A. between semesters.

After college, the band moved back to Phoenix to pursue Kinch full time. The fruits of their labor, an album called Advances, is available via a free-of-charge download from their Web site.

Where have you heard of Kinch? The band has played live on The Blaze and The Edge. They also played with the likes of Jimmy Eat World and The Bravery at last year's Edge Fest.

Kinch drummer Jake Malone points out that listeners are likely to notice that Kinch operates in two distinct styles: piano-infused rock balanced by a few straight rock guitar tracks. - Phoenix NewTimes

Kinch brought a little bit of everything to the stage at the sold-out Modified Arts, seamlessly transitioning from piano ballads to cocky rock songs that remind me more and more of vintage Blur -- then back again.

Starting off with the moody title track from the EP they were releasing (everyone in attendance got a copy, in a stylish cardboard sleeve) the crowd was subdued but attentive. For me, things really got started with "Fare Forward," the first song off Advances, which petty much runs the breadth of the band's sound, and has a great little chorus. The harder-edged "All I Done" also sounded great.

It was a great show, right down to the encore, "Memphis," which Junker played with drummer Jake Malone and a few shakes of tambourine from Coughlin.

Few things are more satisfying for fans of local music than witnessing a band blossom, getting better every time you see them, and that's where Kinch is right now. If you're not watching yourself, you ought to be. - Phoenix New Times

When first listening to The Economic Chastisement, I thought I had stumbled upon a battle royale between The Shins and Coldplay, with a pinch of Keane situated somewhere in the chaos. This short but positively sweet EP from the Phoenix-based indie-pop quartet is a delightful way to get this year off on the right foot, at least musically speaking. Sprinkled with soulful harmonies, appealing piano melodies, and familiar, friendly guitar riffs, Kinch's latest EP is about to redefine that typical sound of indie rock. No doubt, The Economic Chastisement isn't quite what you'd expect from a few former prep school boys, but it's certainly worth your attention.

The title track on Kinch's latest EP, "The Economic Chastisement", is peppered with clicky, energetic, Coldplay-esque riffs, a steady bass, swashing drums, and a bouncy flair of piano. With vocalist Andrew Junker, his cousin, Brian Coughlin, on guitar, drummer Jake Malone and recently-added Bryan Witt on bass, The Economic Chastisement illustrates the explosive splendor of each member's talents, while showcasing how well these guys mesh together. And, if there's one thing that any aspiring musical act needs, it's chemistry. Based on the rave reviews given by news media in their Arizona hometown and a solid following, these guys have what it takes. If you have your doubts, go back and replay "The Economic Chastisement" - you might be surprised.

"C.V." is very soulful. If I could compare this track to anything, I'd probably liken it to Keane's "Somewhere Only We Know", if only for the distinctive similarities between Andrew Junker's emotional piano playing and the signature style of Keane composer, Tim Rice-Oxley. Likewise, Junker's vocals are eerily familiar to those of Tom Chaplin, Keane's lead vocalist, but something is evidently different.

Is Junker's voice rock-savvy and stylistic? Hands down, yes.

Against Coughlin's grungy, twanging guitar riffs, Malone's smashing drumming, and along with Witt's smooth bass, Junker makes "C.V." almost ballad-like. "When are you gonna give it up?" croons Junker. But, don't be fooled, indie rock fans: there's much more in store on "C.V." and The Economic Chastisement for that matter, than radio-ready rock ballads. Much more.

"I want to breathe into the sun/ I want to paint with no clothes on" sings Junker on "Handclap.", against a driving, upbeat piano, which might push Amanda Palmer (one-half of The Dresden Dolls) to look for a day job. Malone's capabilities of a drummer are evident on "Handclap.", as are Witt's bass endeavors. Luckily, both of these guys pass with flying colors, adding depth, color, and a strong backbone to "Handclap." When paired with Coughlin's shimmering, luscious strumming and Junker's ridiculously upbeat piano and laughable lyrics, you're in for a treat. Good thing The Economic Chastisement is here right before spring: get ready for those rainy days by having this one on repeat.

While The Economic Chastisement is really a very short EP, don't be fooled! Kinch's latest work is chock-full of harmonies, melodies, and lots of piano. To fans of The Shins, The Flaming Lips and Coldplay: snag this while you can, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

The Economic Chastisement is available (for free!) via Kinch's official website, see the link below. The album was self-produced and released on February 1, 2009. - In Your Speakers