The Kynd - Timelines

The long-awaited second album from 90s stalwarts The Kynd has finally been released. The album was produced by Brian O'Shaughnessy (Primal Scream/My Bloody Valentine/Denim) at Bark Studios, London, and mastered by legendary engineer Barry Grint (Oasis/REM/The Beatles) at AIR Studios.

The Kynd released their debut album ‘Shakedown’ back in 1999. An unfortunate year for them in many ways. The ebullient spirit of 1995/96 had dissipated. The bands left were either making comedown records or multi-layered masterpieces. Whereas, ‘Shakedown’s merits lay within its mid-90s joy and 60s pastiche which was the centre ground just two years previous. This brief moment where style had substance was swallowed either by plastic pop or toxic masculinity from the US. It simply wasn’t to be.

Undeterred by their previous unfortunate timing, ‘Timelines’ in many ways picks up where ‘Shakedown’ left off. It’s blessed with great mod revival instincts in the former single ‘Whisper & Tones’ and opener ‘Workshy’. The former, resplendent with Mclagan-esque organs and the jagged guitars of The Prisoners are given a melodic polish as the backing vocals give a knowing wink to ‘Sympathy For The Devil’.  ‘Workshy’ however, has a driving relentlessness that breeds a death or glory vigour. Wave upon wave guitars builds a la Len Price 3 with brooding intensity to revel in before they lift everything with a slice of the psyche from The La’s and early Pink Floyd.

On ‘Effervescent’ frontman Paul King pulls from Michael Stipe whilst Danny Tipping’s guitars hazily meander between the Floyd and Beatles. The lysergic licks gently intoxicate the soul to wash away the soul’s ills. The slightly withdrawn and stoned sonic feels like the home turf they should always be playing. Confidence and swagger brood effortlessly throughout.

Similarly on ‘Older’, they lazily sojourn to the looping splendour of Ride’s ‘Vapour Trail’ and the baggy-mod paradise of the early Charlatans albums. It makes them a far superior outfit to be reckoned with. King’s voice is divine, tugging at the heartstrings with a strong sense of nostalgia that carts you back to the summer. The ones that last a lifetime, break hearts and forge friendships you’d die for.

The timing might have been everything the first time around for The Kynd but in 2023 they have proved to be timeless.

The Kynd – Whispers & Tones

Originally formed in the 90s, The Kynd reformed in 2021 and have been promoting the re-release of ‘Shakedown’ with sold out shows and festival appearances since. ‘Whispers & Tones’ marks the first original release since the heady days of the mid-90s. Written and arranged by the band, it was produced by Brian O’Shaughnessy at Bark Studios and mastered by Barry Grint at AIR.

‘Whispers & Tones’ is available to buy from their Bandcamp page.

Beefy Ocean Colour Scene riffs unite with Mclagan-esque keys, Ian Page vocals, and a glorious nod to ‘Sympathy For The Devil’ on backing vocals to conjure a modern-day mod gem. The middle eight is blessed with the freeing nature of Northern Uproar and the rock ‘n’ majesty of The Seahorses.

The closing stages see the keys flicker light a Brian Jones number on this tale of hope. It’s the positivity that keeps you coming back for more. Rather than entice you to the bright lights, it lures you to the smoke-filled shadows where the real devilment takes place. It’s a gateway drug to a northern soul and blue beat night which will change lives and reignite fraying ones.

The Kynd will finally release their second alum ‘Timelines’ on March 10th.