Kill Van Kull: The Next Step In The Evolution Of Rock & Roll.
Article by Carol Clahane
Of Mindsweep Entertainment & Promotions
Carol.e.531@gmail.com
2/14/09
Jacksonville, FL
When you hear the term "rock and roll" many diverse ideas and opinions present themselves as parts of a broader definition for a genre of music that has dramatically evolved over the past sixty years while maintaining the elements of electronically amplified instruments with a strong, driving, and "electrifyingly" rhythmic beat that makes people everywhere want to get their groove on. As rock and roll has evolved, many different musicians have "paved the way" for the creation of the many sub-genres of rock music we hear today, artists such as The Beatles are credited as a key influence in the creation of what is now known as classic rock; Led Zepplin and Jimi Hendrix played a massive role in the creation of blues rock; Black Sabbath, Aerosmith and Deep Purple created a sound which is now part of the definition of hard rock/heavy metal; and Alice Cooper and KISS were the first to pilot the glam rock course. As rock and roll has evolved sub-genres have emerged that reflected the best of the sounds and styles of the music that came before them while creating a new sound and style at the same time, and Kill Van Kull has created music that is without a doubt, the next step in the evolution of rock and roll. Kill Van Kull's album "Edge of Sunrise" (released in late 2006), displays unique cutting edge music that reflects the best sounds and styles of classic rock and heavy metal with overtones of the blues and jazz music that originally gave birth to rock and roll.
"Edge of Sunrise" is an album packed with so many great tracks it was near impossible to pick only a few to write about so I will start in the most logical place- the beginning. "Hot Daze" pulls you in with a hard fast drum intro that jumps right into hard rocking guitar riffs that keep your attention through the entire song, and if that's not enough the vocals and lyrics hold true to rock and roll hook up anthems such as AC/DC's "You Shook Me All Night Long," with lines like "…Slide my fingers across your lips/Softly kiss your fingertips…Wrap yourself around me honey/Watch me come alive…" Following "Hot Daze" is the song "Then You Were Gone," a beautifully performed, well written, mainly acoustic song with heartfelt, meaningful lyrics and powerful electric guitar riffs strategically mixed together creating an auditory masterpiece, (expressing a unique musical styling reflective of Led Zepplin's "Stairway to Heaven," which incidentally was voted 3 on VH1's list of the "100 Greatest Rock Songs" in 2000), that only begins to show the diversity of their musical range.
On any truly great rock and roll album there has to be a song worthy of rock and roll anthem status and "Kick em and Smile" is exactly that. "Kick em and Smile" starts out with blazing guitar riffs, a steady bass beat, and lyrics that let out the anger while bringing a smile to your face at the same time. This is definitely a band and song I would want to see and hear perform at any Van Halen, Motley Crue, or Alice in Chains concert, or perhaps on tour with Ozzfest or Locobazooka.
Further displaying Kill Van Kull's talent and diverse range is the track "Sweet Summertime," drawing you in via a steady beat and blues sound accented perfectly by a rock and roll edge. The vocals fit perfectly and are complimented by the musical interludes featuring a smooth yet sharp and steady jazz/blues saxophone. Similarly the song "Rock It Steady" starts off with a jazz/blues sound using horn arrangements and guitar riffs flawlessly integrated with a hard rock style chorus and vocals equally as amazing as the instrumentals worthy of jamming out to at a Gov't Mule or Of A Revolution (O.A.R. for short) show or a festival like Gathering of the Vibes or Bonaroo, definitely music you can't help but dance to.
Speaking of blazing instrumentals worthy of performance at a Pink Floyd laser light show, the song "Edge of Sunrise" is a solely instrumental piece that truly captures and expresses the essence of a beautiful sunrise. "The Bottom" is a second instrumental piece that is a vast contrast to the "Edge of Sunrise" track with a fast pace and smoking blues riff interludes reminiscent of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Miles Davis, (and coming from a person who usually skips over instrumental pieces or becomes bored with them very quickly I can say that both of these songs I have voluntarily listened to repeatedly and loved more each time I pressed play). There are several other smoking hot songs on Kill Van Kull's album "Edge of Sunrise" that have more than just the potential to earn this band a permanent spot in rock and roll history. But if I gave it all away what wonderfully amazing surprises would you have to look forward to when you pop this disc in the CD player or press play on your I Pod?
Fans, potential fanatics, and interested execs can get a taste of Kill Van Kull's music by visiting their MySpace site at www.myspace.com/killvankull or via the band's official website at www.killvankull.com. Kill Van Kull's music can also be heard in the 2008 independent film "Mother May I," which features the tracks "Summer Rose," "Through the Night," and "Sweet Summertime" from the "Edge of Sunrise" CD. Additionally, one of my favorite tracks on the "Edge of Sunrise" CD, "Rock it Steady" will be featured in an upcoming movie starring Ethan Hawke and Vincent D'Onofrio titled "Staten Island". The fact that four tracks from one album are being used by multiple film makers (before the band has even been signed to a major record label), is proof of Kill Van Kull's boundless marketability and ability to appeal to younger college age rock and rollers everywhere from New York University to University of Southern California and to those rock and rollers who were around to hear The Ramones first live performance at CBGB's on August 16, 1974. Kill Van Kull's CD "Edge of Sunrise" is available for purchase through I Tunes as well as at www.CDBaby.com/killvankull, and of course through the band's official site and MySpace site (listed above).
Kill Van Kull's album "Edge of Sunrise" showcases an immeasurable amount of musical talent and diverse range with everything from songs reminiscent of 1980's heavy metal, (without being repetitive or monotonous) to strong, sharp, steady blues and jazz riffs that truly make you want to get your groove on (and I mean that in every sense of the word). Kill Van Kull (named after the tidal strait separating Staten Island and Bayonne, New Jersey) have been dazzling fans in the New York City area since they originally formed in 1983 with sensational performances at legendary rock music venues such as CBGB's, L'amours, and Warsaw Concert Hall in Brooklyn along with Arlene's Grocery in New York City (to name only a few).
In 1987 Kill Van Kull released a four-song EP titled "Eye of the Storm" and headed to Hollywood, CA ready to make it big, but unfortunately for the band, and their fans, life would get in the way of their rock and roll super-stardom and as it turns out the "Eye of the Storm" for them wasn't until 1995 when they gave the rock and roll lifestyle a second shot but were once again derailed by life's complications. Fortunately for everyone three original members of Kill Van Kull, Rick Cabrera (vocals), Bill Cardinale (bass), and Vinnie Raschella (drums, percussion, 6&12 string acoustic guitars), kept in touch and reunited as a band in 2005. With the help of Chris Cirrone, (lead/rhythm guitars, mandolin), and with the new additions of Alex Mahoney, (saxophone, rhythm guitars), and Curt Giventer, (lead guitars). They recorded "Edge of Sunrise" with the notable credits going to, Al Anzalone, (lead/rhythm guitars), Mark Farley, (lead/rhythm guitar), Mike Pignataro, (keyboards), DeAnna Eliot, (violins), and Henry Falco, (horn arrangements, percussion).
Kill Van Kull's limitless marketability is already beginning to be exhibited by the mainstream, internet, college, and satellite radio stations, not to mention podcasts, playing and making available for request tracks from Kill Van Kull's "Edge of Sunrise" CD all over the world. Kill Van Kull's fan base is growing everywhere from Lewiston, ME to Enid, OK and worldwide with airplay everywhere from Edinburgh, United Kingdom to Heidelberg, Germany.
Kill Van Kull has signed with T&T Management and Booking Agency (www.tntbooking.com), (one of the largest booking agencies in the U.S.A. working with over 300 distinguished artists known both nationally and worldwide), who also work with rock and roll superstars such as Deep Purple, Kansas, Ghost Riders, Kid Rock, and Metallica. With the combination of the music industry expertise and experience of T&T Management and Booking Agency's CEO, Tony Saldano and the immense talent of Kill Van Kull, we at Mindsweep Entertainment & Promotions expect to see this band take off like a rocket ship into outer space with plenty of fame to spare.
Kill Van Kull's marketability is just starting to be recognized on a new level with the endorsement of their drummer/percussionist Vinnie Raschella by Dark Horse Percussion (www.darkhorsepercussion.com) out of Linden, NJ.
Interested venues, talent buyers, and/or festival promoters can book Kill Van Kull for their venue or event by contacting Tony Saldano, or any of the agents of T&T Management and Booking Agency via e-mail at tony@tntbooking.com or through www.tntbooking.com .
Kill Van Kull has said that their dream show would be at Madison Square Garden and they intend to tour the entire U.S.A. They also hope to perform in Birmingham, England the birthplace of Black Sabbath as well as Liverpool, England the birthplace of the Beatles, (both strong influences in rock and roll history and the musical education of Kill Van Kull members). Beyond that they hope to tour through Japan, Australia, Europe, Central and South America, and Asia.
Kill Van Kull's influences include, but are by no means limited to Led Zepplin, Deep Purple, Aerosmith, Kiss, Dream Theater, Van Halen, Alice in Chains, The Who, The Beatles, Iron Maiden, Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne, Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane, Theloneus Monk, Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix, The Ramones, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Carmine Appice, and Alice Cooper.
Kill Van Kull's CD "Edge of Sunrise" truly is the next step in the evolution of rock and roll and we at Mindsweep Entertainment and Promotions are enthusiastically looking forward to being a part of the chapter in rock and roll history that Kill Van Kull is just beginning to write.
The End.
Laura Jenney
Executive Vice President, PR, Press & Media Relations Specialist
Mindsweep Entertainment & Promotions
Manager of Florida office, Booking Agent, PR, Press & Media Relations Rep
T&T Management and Booking Agency
904-777-6057
VPofMindsweep@aol.com
Laura@tntbooking.com
Jcongalady@aol.com
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
NEW REVIEW by www.Dirtyrock.net
Kill Van Kull named after the river that separates Staten Island from New Jersey certainly seemed to be well linked into the past without being nostalgic. These guys have found new and interesting ways to create modern, melodic blues infused hard rock steeped in the tradition from their early days in the 80s. All while showing some sensitivity and range with an instrumental or two.
They have a very distinct, unmistakeable New York flavour going on that lends itself to the great rock, blues and jazz musicians of days gone by. No truer is this then on 'Sweet Summertime', a slinky little number you'd expect to hear coming from some small, seedy back alley of a club in ol' New York. It's the same deal with the jazzy, fluctuating, sax heavy instrumental 'The Bottom', like something out of the Blues Brothers. 'Rock It Steady' follows in a similar way with a good use of brass and big band/rock contours. It must be said I'm not usually attracted to something with saxophone but Kill Van Kull have honestly done it in a stylish way.
This is a chameleon band for damn sure. They aptly switch on you from heavy riffs and solos in 'Hot Daze', the 80s acoustics and modern hard rock of 'Then You Were Gone', the small (very small) Corabi 'Crue elements of 'Through The Night' and the hilarious 'n heavy 'Kick Em And Smile' about rough days at work to the aforementioned blues/jazz to something like the instrumental title track, Edge of Sunrise with it's slow and siren like aesthetics that to me are an interpretation of 9/11 (though I could be way of the actual mark on that one).
I'm not sure how they did it but Kill Van Kull have pulled together a wide range of instruments and sounds without the album coming off disjointed. It's quite well balanced and it seems to me they have covered every base. Obviously their influences go way beyond the usual rock band and for once I can use the word eclectic without any hesitation.
If you really like you're rock, and I mean being really open to all facets that make up our favourite style of music, then you'll be open to the ideas and sonic switches this packed album has to offer.
Visit: www.killvankull.com – www.myspace.com/killvankull
Dirty Rock review by 'Jonni Starr' 2008
Staten Island, N.Y.
Kill Van Kull originally formed in 1983, with Rick Cabrera on vocals/rhythm guitar, Billy Cardinale on bass, Vinnie Raschella on drums and Danny Mills on lead guitar. The lineup was completed shortly afterwards, by the addition of guitarist Scott Pedersen (no , not the infamous one). Kill Van Kull went full throttle to take on the New York & New Jersey circuits and established themselves as a no-nonsense, take no prisoners, professional hard rock band. After numerous opening act appearances for top headliners at such world famous clubs as L’amours and CBGB’s, as well as shows throughout the tri-state area, the band released in the winter of 1987, its debut 4 song EP “Eye Of The Storm”. After receiving strong airplay on WSIA (NY) and WSOU (NJ) and reviews by several newspapers and magazines (Kerrang ) , (Metal Edge), (Movie Mirror Presents..Bon Jovi & other rock & roll superstars), Kill Van Kull contacted and promoted itself to several major labels throughout the US. In the fall of 1989, the band decided to “attack” both coasts by uprooting and heading west to Hollywood, CA. Unfortunately, illness and other life situations derailed the band’s momentum in southern California and the band members were now calling different states “home”.
The future of Kill Van Kull was definitely uncertain, but the original members, particularly the trio of Rick, Bill and Vinnie continued to keep in touch, but recorded and performed with other various original acts and cover bands from the New York area. Then, in 2005, everything came together with the help of guitarist / songwriter Chris Cirrone (who appears with the band on lead guitar, rhythm guitar and mandolin)and the new incarnation of Kill Van Kull hit the studio again with other assists from Mark Farley (lead/rhythm guitars),Al Anzalone (Lead Guitars),Alex Mahoney (Saxophones), Mike Pignataro (keyboards), DeAnna Eliot (violins) and Henry Falco (horn arrangements and percussion).
KVK's new release "EDGE OF SUNRISE" delivers pure hard rock power with an infectious blend of groove and blues.
Renegade Radio
KILL VAN KULL IS THEIR MYSPACE BAND OF THE MONTH! August '07
Straight out of New York, a new group has pushed their way to our "Myspace Band of the Month". In this we look around and see what we can find, who will work with us, get us a CD, and just about anything else to show someone up and coming that seems to be on the right track. This month we bring you Kill Van Kull, Edge of Sunrise.
Vocals reminiscent of the 80s hard core rock and the guitars following along to complete the overall feeling, Kill Van Kull has a wide range of talent that sooner or later will get them noticed by the majors. From there who knows if "the majors" can figure it out but it's todays most known path still, even if changing.
But I digress. With this release you're guaranteed to have your emotions taken in as many diverse directions as this band can take you and after a time or two through the cd, that's quite a few. If you're not up for a musical journey through time and emotion where just about every feeling you have will get pulled from you at one time or another with their music, then back away from the CD and let Clear Channel pick something out for you.
Hot Daze can be described as your typical 80's rock with the screaming guitars and riffs abound. It's a good way to set the tone of the offering but what will stand out is how they back out to another extreme just one song later, giving away their range in just 2 songs.
Then You Were Gone brings so many memories back to me in so many influences in the music that could range from Dokken to Triumph with lyrics that pull you in like committing to an instant relationship. Close your eyes and it's as if you're living in a dream while listening to "Then You Were Gone" with the mix ranging from straight ahead rock and roll to adding a bassline that can actually be heard in the song itself. In the end you'll rewind and before you know it you've found a new favorite song.
Through the Night picks you up again and shakes you out of the trance Then You Were Gone puts you in and suddenly you were dropped into the Delta with Sweet Summertime showing a definate blues feeling to their overall talents as well.
Maybe Kill Van Kull just knows I'm a sucker for noticing the talent that comes out in a well thought out, emotional, slow song, or maybe I'm not alone in losing myself in altered states of mind musically induced, but Edge of Sunshine" is another trip to the "mind zone" where you'll lose yourself in your own range of emotions and maybe even make up your own words for this piece.
Comprised of season veterans, the band includes Rick Cabrera (Vocals), Billy Cardinale (Bass), Vincent Raschella (Drums & Percussion), Alex Mahoney (Saxophones & Rhythm Guitar), and Al Anzalone (Lead Guitar). You can catch them at www.killvankull.com or www.myspace.com/killvankull.
Throughout the CD, you'll find straight ahead rock, you'll find some blues, throw in some good strings and a sax and some funk even from time to time as well mixing things up. In the end you'll find something you don't get a chance to hear anymore - range from a very talented band who's not limited by what the RIAA Gods say will sell or won't. You'll find great music the bands wanted to put out and that can make a world of difference in the end.
Kill Van Kull is yet another indie band that has found their way to RenegadeRadio.Net that we want to do our part to show the world great music does exist outside *normal* channels that in the end is far and away worth any effort it took to get there.
I'll give it 8 of 10 icebergs!
iceberg
K.V.K: THE NAME SAYS IT ALL
Posted by AWE July 26, 2007
When the band's name is Kill Van Kull, you can assume that whatever you're in for, it's local and it's serious.
Popping in "Edge of Sunrise," this resurrected hard rock band's latest recording, which displays shades of Metallica, Led Zeppelin and a whole host of other leviathans of rock and blues, that assumption is realized.
Made up of the capable chops of Rick Cabrera, Billy Cardinale, Vincent Raschella, Alex Mahoney and Al Anzalone, Kill Van Kull is a band that had its beginnings in New York City more than 20 years ago, but when regional popularity and encouraging radio air play had Kill Van Kull moving to Hollywood to break into the rock scene, things fell apart.
It happens in the treacherous world of making a living with music.
The good news is, while members of this band may accept that their time to take the country by storm may have passed, they can't stop playing music -- they love it too much. That's obvious when listening to the saxophone-tinged blues of "Sweet Summertime," or the hedonistic anthem "Through The Night," and it will likely be evidenced in spades when Kill Van Kull and several other bands open for -- Oh. My. God. White Lion -- at L'Amour this Sunday. .
-- Ben Johnson, AWE S.I.Advance
Edge Of Sunrise (2006)
Review Date 5/07
Rating 9.0/10
Author: Dan Lidbury Pure Grain Audio 190 Proof Music
~ Born in the 80's and named after a tidal straight in New York, Kill Van Kull has come out of their decade-long hiatus to bring you Edge of Sunrise. With a new line up and a new sound the band has come back to blow you out of the water.
The band wastes no time diving headfirst into a pool of New York style bluesy rock n’ roll, with the first track “Hot Date.” Even with the raw vocals and heavy rock n’ roll coming off this first track, it still gives listeners no insight on what is down the road on this 45 minute journey. Most songs tend to keep that heavy rock sound but Kill Van Kull has done an amazing job of adding blues, funk, and even softer acoustic parts to keep this album with a diverse sound.
After the initial attack off the first song the album cuts into a softer acoustic rock track that calms things down for a chance to really hear the talent this band has to offer. The rest of the album follows in tow with the sound jumping back and forth from soft to hard with the occasional blues and funk thrown in. The wide range of genres through the album shows that the band's influences are all over the map (with heavier almost southern rock sounds off of “Kick em and Smile” to softer acoustic ballads like “Then You Were Gone”). One thing that stays consistent through the album however are the lyrics… and we all know it's about women and kicking ass!
Despite some awkward jumps with various sounds in songs (which are still few and far between) it's hard to find flaws within the album. With solos from a variety of instruments backed up by heavy riffs and a great rhythm section, it shows this band has nothing but talent under their belts. Cabrera's ballsy yet professional vocals give this album that raw sound that has been finely produced.
Edge of Sunrise is the kind of album that builds up that little fire inside you to keep you going through those Friday nights, or winds you down when with your old lady. It's an album that definitely should be kept on hand at anytime!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Review From NEUFUTUR.COM
Kill Van Kull – Edge of Sunrise / 2006 Self / 12 Tracks /
Reviewed 06 April 2007
It is very rare to see that a band has been together for such a long time. Barring the years that they were trying to get back together, Kill Van Kull has been a band since 1983. It is thus not surprising to hear such talent and ability come from each member of the band. The one thing that individuals might have worried about, the freshness of the style of the band, is not anything that should be worried about during “Edge of Sunrise”. It is true during tracks like “Hot Daze” that the band is working with a eighties rock style, but the vocals mix Sammy Hager with Lemmy to create something that is hard-hitting with just the proper amount of harmony present.
The production allows the act to really make themselves salient to fans, without making it sound as if robots (instead of humans) are crafting each and every track on “Edge of Sunrise”. Much like Queensryche’s “Silent Lucidity”, Kill Van Kull creates a track in “Then You Were Gone” that is much slower, while still having a hard edge to it. The chiaroscuro between these two parts is more than enough to keep individuals riveted to their seat, with the two disparate sections being sewn together with the most masterful of ability. “Through The Night” is a track that takes on Asia and Journey before going into something slightly hard; the one thing that individuals should realize when they sit down and listen to Kill Van Kull is that each subsequent track will be something else, something new to put their teeth into. The band does not try to rehash the same styles with each track, and that is why a disc like “Edge of Sunrise” is so freaking compelling.
An interesting style of rock is given to listeners during the “Through The Night”, where the band changes up what is assumed for time signatures. While the tracks might not have a perfect fit on rock radio, there is little doubt in my mind that the act could go forth and successfully get some play on VH1 Classic or other Classic Rock radio. The results should be that copies of “Edge of Sunrise” will fly off of the shelves with all sorts of speed. The band should hopefully stay together for another twenty or so years, coming out with the same fun and intense brand of rock.
Top Tracks: Then You Were Gone, The Bottom
Rating: 6.8/10
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This Review Just In From The Rock And Roll Report .com
Record Review: Kill Van Kull – Edge of Sunrise (indie)
With a name like Kill Van Kull you would expect a heavy sounding rock and roll attack and “Edge of Sunrise” does not disappoint but it offers so many interesting twists and turns in its sound that it is an amazing sonic adventure listening to the CD.
Starting with “Then You Were Gone” that alternates between soft and heavy, Edge of Sunrise certainly offers a varied rock and roll landscape. From the extra heavy “Through the Night” which turns the tables on the usual “guy dumps chick after a one night stand” to the horn tinged “Sweet Summertime” and “Rock it Steady” to the absolute best Monday morning rock song ever in “Kick Em and Smile” this CD is an amazing testament to diversity. I mean its hard to believe that a band that sings “Fuck this, fuck that, fuck everyone, I’ll kick your ass” can also be responsible for the sweet pastoral song “Edge of Sunrise” but they are and the whole package works.
Very cool stuff from a fascinating band. And remember, if you wake up on Monday morning hating the world put on “Kick Em and Smile” and you will feel much better. Trust me on that.
England's Classic Rock Society Magazine Says. . .
“EDGE OF SUNRISE” Review Just In From Germany:
A very bluesy and jazzy influenced Hard Rock album makes "Edge of Sunrise" probably very hard to hear for the usual Heavy Metal fan. Of course the band has great musicians, a very professional vocalist and also the production lacks nothing. So all in all the audience will change totally since their Mini-Album. For bluesy and jazzy Hard Rock this is for sure a very fine album...
Stefan R. Metal Page- Germany
( 2006)
Jonathan L of 98 KUPD Arizona Says - Love these Brooklyn Boys.
Uptempo good old rock & roll. Guitar rock that never
went away. Guy's Rock!
Very distinctive CD. Doesn't sound like anything else I've heard, which is
a good thing in my books. Mark B - The Rock & Roll Report. Montreal, Canada
Congratulations on your brand of classy, top-notch, solid rock!!! You have a unique thing going on here!! Huge thumbs up!
Cheers,
Geno WITR 89.7 Rochester,NY
The Cutting Edge – “Rock’s finest Web magazine” - Reno, Nevada
We had some time over the holidays to go through the boxes of independent releases sent to us over the last year... Kill Van Kull was one of those lost treasures...
“Edge of Sunrise is truthfully a Masterpiece.” - Barb Fara www.musicincider.com 4/14/08
“New York flavour that lends itself to the great rock, blues and jazz musicians of days gone by” – www.dirtyrock.net 4/16/08
This Review Just In From Music Dish
Kill Van Kull: Kickin' out the Jams at the Edge of Sunrise
By: Mark Kirby (Associate Writer)
2007-09-20
Rock has been killed more times than all the hatchet victims in Rob Zombie's movies put together. Even more than jazz and hip hop. And the pretenders (not Chrissie Hynde's awesome group), poseurs and emo-indie-post-whatever bands have staggered around for more than a quarter century like the corpses in Shaun of the Dead. So you can't help but be surprised that burning, ass-kicking hard rock keeps rising out of the muck that the music is mired in. The latest group to rock this the listener's world comes from the working class band known as Kill Van Kull.
When you hear musical veterans, no matter what the style, you can tell right away there is a depth of feeling and confidence in their playing. There's no way around experience but to have experience. One of the worst aspects of the music business today is that most bands don't have the years of dues paying -- driving around the backwaters of North Dakota and East Texas playing clubs in tiny college towns -- necessary to get a band identity and some skills. Kill Van Kull, however, have rocked clubs and halls in New York, New Jersey, and, Los Angeles, CA, since the 80's, with time out here and there for health and personal crises and the intrusions of everyday life. Members came and went, but the core of the band -- Bill Cardinale on bass, Vinnie Raschella on drums, and vocalist Rick Cabrera -- stayed in touch even when they were in different places and playing in different bands. Eventually they came out of their hiatus in 2005, with a band consisting of the above original members and new members Al Anzalone on lead and rhythm guitars and Alex Mahoney on the saxophone and rhythm guitar. Their new CD 'Edge of Sunrise' is a hard rock record from the old school, with what hard core hard rock fans would expect from veteran pros, and some twists and turns in arrangements and songwriting.
The opening song, "Hot Daze," let's you know what up - they're here to rock which rhymes with sex. From the blazing, unison bass and guitar licks to the caterwauling of Cabrera, Kill Van Kull kicks out the jams from the first note to the last. Though this song is a rock and roll sex fantasy that captures the dream of a magical moment, Kill Van Kull shows a wittiness not typical of the style of music: "I see you on the TV screen, in the middle of my magazine / Slide my fingers across your lips, softly kiss your fingertips / Infatuated, drenched in sweat ... Just say you want me and let me crawl inside / Wrap yourself around me honey / Watch me come alive."
This band's forte is raw hard rock, but on the next cut, "Then You Were Gone," they flip the script. It starts out as a power ballad that, typically, sounds like a song that laments lost love, one that is meant to, as Bevis and Butthead used to say, "get the band some chicks, hehe, hehe." In fact, it is a song about the unrequited lost love of a boy - for his dad: "I never had a chance to go hunting with you / And what about the planes, and all the baseball games / All the things a son was supposed to do with you." The ballad parts, played by acoustic guitars, are interrupted by contrasting blasts of hard rock power chords. This keeps the song moving forward and creates a sound that is intensely mellow.
"Through the Night" starts out like a hard rock "met-a-chick-had-a-freak-scene and split" kind of song, a f--k 'em and back on the tour bus number. But this ain't the '80's and even rock chicks have come a long way. Instead of my man keeping in control, he finds himself rocked and his heart, mind, and body taken: "She started pushin', I started shakin' / My hands were tied, I was hers for the taking." The next morning he finds himself, not the player, but the played, as she shows him the door leaving him begging: "She said 'Baby, you know we're better off this way / Yesterday is gone now boy and tomorrow's another day.' / I said don't you want me to feel you Don't you want me to touch you?" And using the less-is-more approach to lyrics, Van Kull shuts up and lets the guitar do the talking with a burning solo that has all the emotion of the moment. Mr. Anzalone shreds to the end, spraying sheets of pure rock guitar sound.
"Kick 'Em and Smile" remind us why Van Halen was so goddamn cool back in the day. Van Halen wasn't afraid to get a little silly. This cut, like great rock records past and present, goes up to the edgy intersection where anger, teen age rebellion, and ridiculousness meets. And how can you beat lyrics like "I go to work, and you're bustin' my balls / I've kept my cool, now I'm ready to brawl / F--k this, f--k that, f--k everyone I'll kick your ass." You can't.
Kill Van Kull puts the first of the CD's sophisticated twists next on the song "Sweet Summertime." A normal rock song about summer love - rather, getting with a hot chick - is elevated, like a classic record from the '70s, by a bluesy horn section, featuring Mahoney, and sweet and soulful backup vocals. Like the band says, Kill Van Kull's music is "Hard rock with an infusion of blues and jazz." This approach crops up on the cuts that serve as contrast to the ballast of the rock and roll style found on most of the tracks: "Rock It Steady" and "The Bottom" have the slinky funk horns, rock funk beat, and, on the former, the growling vocals of vintage Tower of Power; "Summer Rose" starts as a soulful, jazzy ballad with a sax intro by Mr. Mahoney and continues as a trippy psychedelic affair and ends ala "Stairway to Heaven" with Mr. Anzalone playing, as he does throughout the record, incendiary blues-based guitar leads.
So many young groups and artists get caught up in the idea of making CD's and videos and getting on stage while forgetting to develop their music. That's why it's good to hear some old school kick ass rock and roll played by a working class band that is tight, inspired and clearly having a damn good time doing it. 'Edge of Sunrise' is a flavorful and fun smorgasbord of rock that ki-ki-ki-kicks out the jams!
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KVK have actually been at it for almost two and a half decades, but a series of setbacks has hindered their career. Well, now they appear to be ready to take the rock and roll world by storm! This album is a gritty, greasy slab of smokin' rock, done the good old fashioned way. It sounds like it could have come out of the 70s. There is a lot of blues, funk, and soul influences, even some folk/bluegrass here and there. Hard rock, however, remains the band's foundation, and many of these songs are knockouts! "Hot Daze", "Through The Night", "Kick Em And Smile" (Had a bad day? Listen to this song!), "On The Run", "Out Of The Blue Sky"-All these songs pack a major whallop, with crunching power chords, a pounding beat, and some smokin' sax. Their influences range from Aerosmith to Mountain to Deep Purple to Stevie Ray Vaughn and Mother's Finest to Led Zeppelin. KVK also show a more sensitive side by including a few ballads, like "Then You Were Gone", the title track (an instrumental), and "Summer Rose". This is one rockin' album, with no frills or any hints of monthly flavors or anything "trendy". These guys just let her rip! The guitar and sax work are especially good. I guess all those years of not being able to get started left the band with a lot of pent up aggression. Well, they've let it all out on this album!
8 Days 'til showtime, Get your tickets now! The commercial is running on E, VHI, Oxygen, ESPN, and WE. I saw it on all these channels! We're also on the homepage of WCBS FM 101.1, check it out! Get your tickets now to the show of a lifetime! Win $250 with your lucky ticket at Jukebox Heroes Live! here in Staten Island July 18th at the St. George Theatre. Bring your cameras to take pictures with Jack Sparrow, Elvis and more. The first 100 people to call (888)632-9216 or email iknowdaguy@ymail.com get $5 off each ticket purchase! Follow us on <a href="ht
From Win $250 with your lucky ticket at Jukebox Heroes Live! here in Staten Island July 18th at the St. George Theatre. Bring your cameras to take pictures with Jack Sparrow, Elvis and more. The first 100 people to call (888)632-9216 or email iknowdaguy@ymail.com get $5 off each ticket purchase! Follow us on
Win $250 with your lucky ticket at Jukebox Heroes Live! here in Staten Island July 18th at the St. George Theatre. Bring your cameras to take pictures with Jack Sparrow, Elvis and more. The first 100 people to call (888)632-9216 or email iknowdaguy@ymail.com get $5 off each ticket purchase!
See us on WCBS FM's Concert Calendar! Proceeds are going to the Ronald McDonald House and the Bailey House. Come and support us! Staten Island, let's show 'em that we care! We can fill 1800 seats for children with cancer and fight homelessness! Box Office (718)442-2900! !
LOVE MY CD AND GOT 4 OR 5 LOVE THE NEW LIST. MY MOUSE IS INSANE SO BOUGHT A NEW ONE BUT IT WILL BE TECKY MESSY TOO OF THIS I CAN BE SURE. WE ALL HAVE FATERS OR HAVE CHILDREN SO HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO YOU NICE GUYS WHOM I CARE ABOUT. DEBBIE OF VA.
Message me for the best seats in the house, or call the Box Office (718)442-2900 Proceeds are going to the Ronald McDonald House and the Bailey House. Come and support us! There's still good seats left, get yours now! Message me -Elliot/ Producer I Know Da Guy Entertainment. Visit www.iknowdaguyentertainment.com for Special Offers for JukeBox Heroes Live! Join us on Facebook! Conveniently paying for tickets through PayPal is now available! call I Know Da Guy Entertainment (888)632-9216 elliot@iknowdaguyentertainment.com
Thanks a lot for the add. EletriKa is complitly different of every Metal band you already know. Please, when you have a minute, just check EletriKa out, ok?
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