The KVB, Unity Review

The KVB is an Electro-Pop duet of Nicholas Wood and Kat Day. Together they create a reverb-soaked atmosphere with elements of electronic, psychedelic, post-punk, and shoegaze. Formed in 2010 by singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Wood, The KVB got started with several limited cassette and vinyl releases that included the single “The Black Sun” on FLA Records and the Into the Night EP on Downwards Records. Vocalist/keyboardist/visual artist Day joined Wood in 2011, and The KVB released its debut album, Always Then, in 2012 on Clan Destine Records. The KVB is now releasing their third studio album on the Invada Records label called Unity.

Bottom Line: Unity is ten tracks produced and mixed by Andy Savours (Black Country New Road, My Bloody Valentine, The Horrors) and represents an electrifying stage in the band’s sonic journey. Wood and Day masterfully pull together their trademark components of radiant guitars, textural synths, and moody, brooding melodies to present a sonic dynamism. “Sunrise Over Concrete” is built around a genomic sequence with elements of dance-pop in flavor that serves as our introduction to the album and sets the mood. “Unité” brings a queasy, dub-influenced beat and textured synth psychedelia abounding around Day’s and Wood’s vocals. The swirling reverb around the vocals and its placement just peaking over the instruments in the mix is a unifying presence. “Future” features Day’s dreamy vocals out-front a tad more with an ebullient feel that originates from their trademark sound. Finally, “World On Fire” pulls in indie-rock sounds for the male/female vocal melody supported by a driving drum pattern and arpeggiated and strummed guitars. Overall, Unity is full of tracks that twirl with ultra-reverb saturated vocals, synth pads, and a tasteful guitar palette to create its momentum. The KVB created a project with varied feels and focused and coherent song structures. That’s the short of it!