CD: “Begin Again” by Kloq

Mixing up synths and guitars my first thought was that I was listening to something from wayback, a different time. That slight echo on the vocals. These 4 Essex boys have their own brand of “punktronica”.

Opening with “True Crusader” it became apparent this was not old school, with it’s addictive rhythm, slightly fuzzy guitar, and almost space age synths, and something that says rock, albeit electronic rock. Perhaps this all sounds a little bit tacky when I read it back to myself, but it works, fits together to give a sound that I have either not heard before, or rather for a long time, perhaps this is the equivalent of those early UK electronic industrial acts fused with the likes of the Prodigy, perhaps even Muse.

…and then “Jenny” kicks in with it’s rockier feel and rap vocals (almost thinking PL&G in the delivery), albeit “sung” chorus. “Setting Sun” turns everything around, with clear vocals (I almost thought Ultravox in places) opening the track amidst an electronic backdrop, and what seems to be a mixture of electronic and analogue(?) rhythms.

“High” takes on the indie rock vibe with a more guitar and drum led vibe, but I am sure there is a lot of electronic holding it all together giving it a sound that is Kloq. While “Crash” takes back to a track that might be mistaken as the Prodigy, much like “Jenny” the aggressive sounding rhythm, and rap delivered verses. A complete turnaround.

There are many elements happening here, but all with an edge, not exactly punk in the traditional sense, but certainly fitting of the “punktronica” tag. Mixing styles, and approaches, this is a brave album. Anyone remember “Narcotic Influence” by Empirion? An alternative dancefloor hit a number of years back? (I just played it the other day) Well, Kloq are built from Empirion, throw in Tims past experience, Deans vocals, and finally Alex’s drum experience (drum tech for Skindred) you have a wealth of experience, and without question more than an ounce of professionalism and capability. They have all had success individually. And it shows. The only criticism might be that there is to much going on here, there are a number of elements you might not expect to find together. With different tracks probably packing dancefloors in differing styles of clubs. But as you listen to the album you can start to feel the common thread which is Kloq. But, this is were the brave succeed.

Line Up
Dean Goodwin
Oz Morsley
Tim Jackson
Alex Baker

Tracklisting
True Crusader
Chainsaw
Jenny
Setting Sun
High
Bleed
Crash
Step Up
Zero 1
Begin Again

Links
https://en-gb.facebook.com/Kloqmusic
https://myspace.com/kloq
https://soundcloud.com/kloq

Words by Jon.