In the TV world of the 60s and 70s things were simple; the good guys were good, the bad guys were bad, and the hero always got the girl. It’s “The man from UNCLE”, “Our man Flint” and “Get Smart”, it’s old-school espionage; Morse code, dead drops, numbers stations, covert ops and spies in trench coats, sharp suits and trilbies. It’s fun and it’s sexy. This is the world of Kaiser Architekt, a new Espionage-Pop-Rock band.
The band is now breaking cover for the first time to release “Spies Like Me” – an operations report on 11 missions, all undertaken between 2011 and 2013, concerning the mysterious femme fatale, “Dr 11”. Although Kaiser Architekt’s country of origin cannot be officially confirmed, there is information suggesting that the group may be made up of agents from different countries and there is a known association with several neutral European countries along with Germany and the USA.
Writing a review for Kaiser Architekt latest has been a daunting task; on one hand you have the lyrical content which “Spies Like Me” centers around and on the other the expansive and impressive array of instruments, recording techniques, vocal harmonies, and blissful bombardment of melodic tone that pervades throughout the entire album. The end result is an album that transcends genre and medium; an amalgamation of music and cinematographic suspense that enjoyably educates the senses whilst providing relaxation and reflection.
I listened to the album all the way through in one sitting. It usually takes me time to warm up to songs. Though this record was different there was no “warm-up” period. I think this has a lot to do with some of the new sounds and the beats that make it easy on the ear while drawing you in to.
“Spies Like Me” showcases 11 sparkling tracks, of which my favorites are: Bulletproof, Crush(Jump my Halo), Kuryakin and Voodoo Wriggly among others. The lyrics are whip-smart literate and emotionally provocative, just as the music is every bit as clever as it impassioned. But above all, the entire experience is just plain up-tempo fun.
Needless to say, these guys knock it right out of the park with this album. They have a wonderful and refreshing sound, full of unique sounds and excellent songs. Musically and lyrically experimental, Kaiser Architekt brings in loads of influences from across the world and through time. The band has crafted beautiful tuneful anthems with delightful riffs and hooks that will keep you humming and tapping as you contemplate the theme each song introduces.
To cut a long-story short, buy this album. It is too good to let pass by!
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