It’s kind of hard to feel sorry for the music industry crying about low CDs sales, when a solid band like Kaline is churning out records on its own, while stale, paint-by-numbers groups simply ape the sound of mediocre bands that came before them and are rewarded with record label deals.
On the group’s latest full length, Makin’ Moves, the Grand Rapids, MI band plays high energy pop/punk reminiscent of bands like MXPX, early Fall Out Boy and a less moody version of Bayside. Even on a limited DIY budget, Makin’ Moves has a far greater sound than about 99% of the band’s being trotted out in neon t-shirts and ironic Ray Ban sunglasses, thanks to a tight drumming and fuzzy guitars, choruses that stick with you long after you stop listening and that lyrics that deal more with teenage romance.
The record gets a tad repetitious in the middle, but is bookended by some great opening and closing songs.
Top Tracks: “The Weekend,†“Bring It Home†and “Too Many Timesâ€
Rating: 8 out of 10
Kaline – Makin’ Moves /2009 CD / Self-Released / 12 tracks/ http://www.myspace.com/kalinemusic