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 The slightly withdrawn and stoned sonic feels like the home turf they should always be playing.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.