• Band / Artist : Rayko/KRB
• Genre : Pop / Rock
• Listen Online : Listen
• Buy CD : Buy
• Buy Digital Download : Buy
• Rating : 8.5 out of 10

I’ve heard a few Rayko/KRB tracks, but never really listened to them that well. I think it was the Accident Hash podcast where I first heard them and then again on the Binary Starcast podcast, which also happens to be the bands label. It was only a week or so ago that I heard “Idea Gone” again and actually listened to it properly. Everything then clicked into place. I’ve listened to the EP a few times now and I have to say, although this isn’t to my usual taste in music, it is now.

I’ve seen Rayko/KRB, a collaboration between Rayko and the Kenny Ryan Band, labelled usually as pop and rock, but there’s quite a few other influences, that really enrich the overall sound. There’s a soulful groove, with an occasional R&B thing happening, not forgetting the occasional rap infusion (although I would have to admit I wish they would).

The first two tracks, “Shady” and “Idea Gone” are the tracks I’ve heard most on various podcasts and prove a great introduction to the bands sound. The fourth track “Miss Marianne” really takes things up another notch. “Reality TV” takes a more laid back, rap turn and it’s actually not that bad, and that coming from someone that’s not a big rap fan. I think the nearest I ever got to liking rap was with De La Soul, now that was a band that knew how to take rap to a whole different level.

I think the one driving force behind this EP is attitude. Yes there’s a few things your granny probably wouldn’t appreciate, but you can just make her a cup of tea and plug your cans in and pump up the volume. Seriously though, there’s a parental advisory on the CD for a reason, but for us grown ups, there’s nothing on here that’s going to shock.

The production on this EP is excellent, not at all getting in the way, allowing you to concerntrate on the music. That being said however, there’s still a raw energy to the EP, which is what makes it.

Track 6, “Equanimity” for me is the standout track, but I have no doubt nearly everyone who buys this EP, is going to have a different favorite. I also have to say I have a bit of a soft spot for Track 7, Flicker… or is it Track 8? *smile* A big nod to GH wherever you are.

Conclusion : The more I play this EP, the more I am blown away. I keep discovering new sounds and influences and it does the cockles of my heart the world of good, to hear such great music from new bands/artists.