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EP REVIEW: Kenyon - Cacoon
By Cyrus Rhodes - 04/12/2012 - 02:06 PM EDT

Artist: Kenyon
Album: Cacoon (EP)
Label: Independent Artist
Website: http://artkenyon.bandcamp.com/album/cocoon-ep
Genre: Alt Pop/Rock
Sounds Like: The White Stripes, Beck, Black Keys, Radiohead
Technical Grade: 9/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 9/10
Commercial Value: 9/10
Overall Talent Level: 9/10
Songwriting Skills: 9/10
Performance Skill: 9/10
Best Songs: The Way We Try, Cocoon
Weakness: Over the top vocal intensity, EP Release.
CD Review: Vancouver B.C. based Kenyon (Art Kenyon) releases his latest 6 song EP entitled Cocoon in 2012.  Kenyon describes this latest release:  “Art Kenyon is fun for the whole family(but) isn’t recommended for pregnant women (your unborn children may jam out of your stomach)…Side effects include head banging.” Well played!

The EP kicks things off with “Cocoon” a slow building into piece that flows and ebbs its way through to emotional fruition with its driving rock rhythm, melodic rhythm guitar and hypnotic vocal vibe from Kenyon. Track 2 “The Way We Try” is an upbeat follow up piece that serves up synthetic rock groove against easy flowing guitar rhythms and hooky vocal melodies from Kenyon. Track 3 “This Girls Trouble” dishes out a smooth as silk groove against thought provoking piece of music with rocking-blues rhythm guitars, well-placed harmonies and impressive vocal finale. The EP makes a solid first impression dishing out 3 impressive songs in a row. As the EP slowly unfolds I can hear many different musical textures reminiscent of such acts like Beck, Radiohead, The White Stripes, The Black Keys, and even a dash of Jeff Buckley – but for the record Kenyon sound is extremely hard to pigeonhole. The music itself is an impressive blend of progressive rock and even has a progressive aftertaste that is extremely dynamic and melodic in nature. Kenyon’s voice goes down smooth and is full of passion, reckless abandon and bold honesty. The musicianship and musical touches from Kenyon are world class and kudos goes out to his amazing songwriting strokes. The songs themselves are extremely dynamic and progressive in nature. The songwriting is extremely creative and highly original. Each song possessing a unique personality, flair and signature groove. Many of the songs have a theatrical intensity about them making for a very entertaining listening experience. I especially like how the whole EP just flows across the ears song for song and note for note. From grooving “Tuesday Night” to striking “Juliet” this CD has something for just about everyone. The EP ends with Track 6 ”Always” the perfect finale statement for an EP of this caliber.

It’s hard to find any noticeable weaknesses with a production such as this. I will say some of the vocal passion and intensity from Kenyon is just a tad over the top. For the record I don’t give out 10 star ratings to EP releases. The Full length release is a more complete picture and snapshot of the artist.

Overall Cacoon by Kenyon is an extremely entertaining musical teaser. It’s strong suit – the amazing amount of originality, creativity and musical diversity this EP has to offer. The production value is thick as a brick and like the aforementioned I especially enjoyed the amazing musicianship and amazing flow and ebb quality to the catalogue. My hats off the Kenyon for coming out of his cocoon. I look forward to hearing his full length release hopefully this Summer. All in all Mr. Kenyon stands out from other artists with his unique signature sound and multitalented virtuoso. He has all the trademarks needed to gravitate a huge fan base, and one would be wise to keep a watchful eye on him 


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