Kite - V

18 months is a pretty long time between EP's, especially to Kite fanatics. Fortunately, the duo have more than enough going for them to make it very difficult to be overlooked or forgotten. Huge in China, equally as loved in their native Sweden, Berg and Stenemo have a very, very loyal following clumped all over the world.

With proto-pop melodies like Stand Back, Kite have a cemented, and well earned place in my heart. In fact, just look at the crowd hang on to every single word in this performance of the first Kite track (chronologically) and you get the picture - a mass sing along is moving, to say the least.

So it's interesting to see where 'V' is going. This is Kite after-dark. This is the band at their most honest, creative, and deepest. It's a release that is 'goth' with a lower-case 'g'. The EP retains all of the former grandiose, intricate hooks and beautiful melodies, but boasts TWO huge changes. We've already discussed how much darker the EP is - as documented shortly. In addition, Stenemo's vocals are by far easier. The lyrics seem to flow better, but the variation in techniques is what truly makes the EP.

"Wishful Summer Night" re-introduces the group with an ethereal introduction, building up into a vocal style that's just divine. It reminds me of "Elyria" by Faith and the Muse - but met with a backdrop that's a thing of pure beauty. This is the song that I will witness every Solstice to. It's worlds away from Kite's earlier work, but it's also something that could rival Dead Can Dance, This Ascension, Bel Canto... and considering that I expected a direct continuation of "IV", the impact is infinitely firmer.

"Dance Again" is the most typical Kite song on here. The introduction is super-melodic, and the lyrics gave me goosebumps the first moment I heard them. It's pure poetry. It isn't often I find it hard to write about a song, but this one is moving, personal, and above all else, accomplished.

"The Rhythm" does what it says on the tin - it's so catchy - repetitive, but absolutely welcomed. EBM at it's most trademark. The chorus is one that you simply must shout along to.

"I Can't Stand" and "Want Me" amplify the depth of the new Kite - the former introducing a new style to Stenemo's vocal - reminiscent of Britpop act "Space" - and the latter introduces a high-soprano style vocal, amplifying the depth and range of a very, very talented vocalist. Nothing can be taken away from any of the music on here either - like before, Kite have the Midas Touch - this entire EP is glorious from start to finish. It may be darker, and lack some of the catchiness of earlier tracks, but this EP is above and beyond anything preceding it.

"V" is Kite's best EP yet. It took a few listens, but it's streets ahead. I'm looking forward to the eruption. May 06 2013