New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Green Light Go) It all started in Parkdale, a west-end neighbourhood of Toronto. Kat
Burns had recently dissolved her former band (Forest City Lovers) and was determined to rise out of the ashes. Without a clear direction to take, she spent some time exploring new sounds and songwriting styles, which led to a collaboration with longtime friend and producer
James Bunton (Light Fires, Ohbijou, Evening Hymns). She found her new direction, and KASHKA was born.
The resulting album was 2012's Vichada, which was met with praise and pushed her new sound, coined folkpoptronica, out onto the road with tours in North
America and Europe. Soon afterwards, she began working on her follow up.
KASHKA is now set to release her sophomore album,BOUND, on January 14th, 2014.
The Leon Taheny (Rituals, Dusted) produced album explores themes of family history, self-reflection and fractured relationships. An array of talented Toronto-based musicians, including members of Bruce Peninsula, Bernice, the Bicycles, Ohbijou and Tokyo
Police Club contributed to the album.
The resulting collection of songs traverse an emotional landscape, where memorable melodies flow amongst a mixture of organic and electronic sounds. "Never Had It is a straight-up Dear John letter never sent, pulsing along to a minimal beat until kicking into high gear for the chorus. "Grain of Salt" is an upbeat pop song about needing space, and "We Let The Shadow In" is a driving, dark song that showcases the gritty guest vocals of Neil Haverty (Bruce Peninsula). Midway through the record we hear "Gibraltar", with cinematic string arrangements and images of secret meeting places. The album closer, eerie "Bloodlines," trudges through family lineage and thick synths amidst howling sirens and voices.
Hear "Never Had It" on Soundcloud:
Follow KASHKA on Facebook and Twitter
Praise for KASHKA
"...this may sound like an unexpected turn for
Burns and Bunton, but the music is charmingly organic in nature, and a perfect combination." - Quick Before it Melts
"...[Burns'] voice remains high and airy, and her delivery gentle and intimate - but teamed up with Bunton's muscular beats and percussion, dynamic synth lines and smartly constructed arrangements, the result is completely fresh (and fierce)." - Now Magazine
"Released at the perfect time for lighthearted, poppy, dance-ready songs - both because it is summer and synth-fuelled music is on an upslope as of late - Vichada brings to it the incredible warmth of Burns' voice to each of the nine (and one bonus) songs and pairs it with intricately placed beats thanks to Bunton at the helm." - Grayowl Point
