EP Review: KEYAN & Connor Kaminski – Kinetic (Self Released)

Renowned modern guitarists KEYAN and Connor Kaminski have ed forces to unveil their new instrumental progressive metal three-track EP, ‘Kinetic’, set for release on May 16th.

Two talented people working together to create something memorable and accessibly likable. Unsurprisingly, it results in magic, guitar-based magic, but words can’t fully convey just how magical the experience is.

Beginning with the crowd-pleasing Swell, listeners get their first robust taste of the duo’s modern progressive metal sound. Showcasing not just their creativity and talents, but their many influences, even though one listen to this track will tell you that it is undeniably its own thing. It’s an awesome introduction, and it’s truly amazing to hear just how well these two artists connect.

That was just the starter though and things get more dramatic, elaborate, and intense with Oscillate. Of course, it’s all about the guitars but both are supremely unselfish, and not just showing off for the sake of it. It’s clear the goal was to make great music that stood out from other guitar-driven instrumental music, and if that allowed them to show some flair (and it really does), so be it. The end result is a complex, but addictive listen, and then along comes Pirouette.

Have you noticed the Periphery influences throughout? Well, here’s Adam ‘Nolly’ Getgood of Periphery and Jack Gardiner to guest on a track that is over eleven minutes long and has more layers then, I don’t know, something with a s**t-ton of layers. Simply put, it’s exceptionally detailed, and has a vibrancy that sends the senses wild. So much of this comes from a leisurely start, but it also comes from some unique twists on the formula, such as post-elements slipping in here and there. That being said, this one can also be incredibly wild. KEYAN and Connor are great together, but alongside Adam and Jack? I shouldn’t need to say anything else.

It’s a class EP. Two great talents creating something great.

KEYAN and Connor Kaminski – Kinetic Track Listing:

1. Swell
2. Oscillate
3. Pirouette (feat. Adam ‘Nolly’ Getgood & Jack Gardiner)

Links

KEYAN – Facebook | KEYAN – Instagram | KEYAN – TikTok