CD: “Valley Of Thorns” by The Kut

So finally, London’s The Kut have released their debut LP. “Valley of Thorns” is 10 slabs of varying musical styles incorporating Rock, Grunge, Punk, Goth and Riot Grrrl. From the dark, Post/Punk opener “Mind Games” it’s a slow burner that just builds and builds. Diana’s (drums) hitting throughout is wholesome and frenetic, matched to (Princess) Maha’s Grunge-laden vocals throughout. Sometimes harsh and gravelly, notably on “Alekhine’s Gun” and “Bad Men”, to stripped back and heartfelt on tracks like “No Trace”. I’m reliably informed The Kut don’t write love songs so “Love In The Rush Hour” is the closest they get to achieving that feat! Stella (bass) completes this trio and only adds to the sound with her subtle basslines.

There are no half measures here and with a now solid line-up, those non-stop tour schedules have served them well. The sound is altogether tighter, leaner and has all the right elements of Grunge while keeping to their own unique sound. Too many bands take the Courtney “template” and try to re-create it while showing little originality. The Kut have avoided well-trodden paths and come up with 10 cuts of differing styles. “I Want You Maniac” has MTV rotation written all over it – a radio friendly and powerful song with a great chorus. Equally “Hollywood Rock ‘n Roll” has a sleazy undercurrent running through it that invokes memories of L7 at their finest. It’s the shortest track on here but should no doubt be on every DJ’s playlist in Rock clubs the length and breadth of Britain. I may be wrong but doubt “I Am Vain” is personal, more a work of fiction. The twisted chords in the guitars and the noodling in the bridge are a nice touch, while there’s a heartfelt honesty in some of the songs on here. By far the standout track though, (and the longest at five minutes) is “X-Ray Eyes”. I’m reminded of Goth/Rock underachievers Feline (circa ’98) with its harsh vocal and dark underbelly, a song that just gets better after every listen.

As I alluded to earlier there’s more than a smattering of L7 at their peak; notably on the riotous “Bad Men”, but one could sight many an influence. 8 years in the making multi-instrumentalist (Princess) Maha has taken her time and got together the strongest line-up yet, and it shows here. Known as a prolific touring band, often incorporating one-month schedules playing back to back dates in the UK, it’s time for these ladies to reach the next level. Rebellion Festival put them on the main stage in 2017 after excelling on the “Introducing Stage” and they took the baton and ran with it, being invited to return in 2018. There is nothing not to like about The Kut. They still have that ‘DIY’ mentality and have an entourage and crew who all work towards the common goal. This release was funded by the now popular Pledge campaign so the fans get the more personal feel to the whole experience. If like me you love all the aforementioned genre’s then invest in a copy of Valley of Thorns, you won’t be disappointed.

Tracklisting
Mind Games
Hollywood Rock ‘n Roll
No Trace
I Want You Maniac
Love in The Rush Hour
I Am Vain
Alekhine’s Gun
X-Ray Eyes
Bad Men
Mario

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