Kermode Spirit are a 4 piece indie-rock band from Cambridge. Formed in 2014, John, Sam, Albert and Alastair have not been sitting in the background for the 2 years that they’ve been together. From jamming together in a sleepy village to playing the Junction’s legendary Fiver, getting to the finals of the 2015 Cambridge Band Competition and even playing the O2 academy Islington. On top of gigging, they’ve also released a 4 track EP, House Party, as well as 2 music videos.
As someone who’s listened to a lot of independently produced EPs and albums from all sorts of bands, I have to say that House Party is one of the best I’ve heard. Not only are all songs catchy and well-written, but the quality of the recording, for an unsigned band, is bloody good. As much as you can tell it’s not produced professionally, some of the mixing is a bit off and a few things don’t sound quite right, it’s obvious how much effort and passion went into it. It’s the sort of EP I’d buy, listen to a lot and then tell my friends about it.
Something I found really cool and pretty unusual was the wording and, put simply, how British the vocals sounded. I’m someone who will usually listen more to the instruments, especially the drums for some reason, than the vocals. However, on the EP, especially ‘When Sammy Left The Party’, it’s basically impossible to not listen to John’s vocals. I’d compare it to Jamie T's ‘Sheila’, which features his very prominent London accent (if you know the song I’m sure you’ll know what I mean). As much as it’s quite a bit different to what I’m usually into, I’m a pretty big fan of it.
My favourite song on the EP would have to be ‘It’s A Trap!’ (which has been added to my Spotify jams). It features some seriously fast drumming, a good bit of synth, which the '80s music fan inside me will always be attracted, and some super sassy bass from Sam. It’s a really cool mix of styles; I don’t feel you could properly put it into a category. It was a really great song live, a perfect finisher.
As someone who’s listened to a lot of independently produced EPs and albums from all sorts of bands, I have to say that House Party is one of the best I’ve heard. Not only are all songs catchy and well-written, but the quality of the recording, for an unsigned band, is bloody good. As much as you can tell it’s not produced professionally, some of the mixing is a bit off and a few things don’t sound quite right, it’s obvious how much effort and passion went into it. It’s the sort of EP I’d buy, listen to a lot and then tell my friends about it.
Something I found really cool and pretty unusual was the wording and, put simply, how British the vocals sounded. I’m someone who will usually listen more to the instruments, especially the drums for some reason, than the vocals. However, on the EP, especially ‘When Sammy Left The Party’, it’s basically impossible to not listen to John’s vocals. I’d compare it to Jamie T's ‘Sheila’, which features his very prominent London accent (if you know the song I’m sure you’ll know what I mean). As much as it’s quite a bit different to what I’m usually into, I’m a pretty big fan of it.
My favourite song on the EP would have to be ‘It’s A Trap!’ (which has been added to my Spotify jams). It features some seriously fast drumming, a good bit of synth, which the '80s music fan inside me will always be attracted, and some super sassy bass from Sam. It’s a really cool mix of styles; I don’t feel you could properly put it into a category. It was a really great song live, a perfect finisher.
I saw them at the O2 academy Islington and, despite being on at half 6, they drew quite a large crowd; I’d say at least 40 people. They were actually performing as a three-piece, as Alastair was unable to make it due to a choir tour, so we can let him off. They were still fantastic to watch, they actually looked like they were enjoying themselves which, for me, is a huge part of whether I enjoy myself or not. If you’re not a fan of some serious drumming, they might not be perfect for you, as Albert clearly doesn't hold back. I found it awesome; you can definitely tell he’s influenced by Lower Than Atlantis. I’d probably say have the bass up a bit louder, as Sam’s seriously good.
I’d certainly recommend that you check out Kermode Spirit. They’re a good indie band without being too stereotypical, adding their own little thing which makes them stand out. I can’t wait for them to release new music, as the new songs they played live sounded rad already. I'll definitely be listening to House Party pretty often.
I’d certainly recommend that you check out Kermode Spirit. They’re a good indie band without being too stereotypical, adding their own little thing which makes them stand out. I can’t wait for them to release new music, as the new songs they played live sounded rad already. I'll definitely be listening to House Party pretty often.