A satisfying blend of early indie rock and shoegaze,
the Brother Kite's self-titled debut could have been released in the early '90s instead of 2004. Appropriately dubbed "Death Cab for Shoegaze" by its record label, the Providence, RI, band nods to indie rock bands such as
Death Cab for Cutie,
Appleseed Cast, and
Sebadoh, as well as droney groups like
My Bloody Valentine. "Goodnight, Goodnight, Goodnight" begins with strings reminiscent of
Spacemen 3 before guitars and drums enter with a chugging rhythm. Vocals are expectedly reverbed, though, but still quite discernible in noise pop numbers such as "The Music Box" and "Death Ray." "Mere Appreciation" strips their sound down to an acoustic guitar and vocals, proving they can write without relying on effects. The nearly eight-minute closer, "The Way That You Came Down," culminates with noisy, jangly pop and a '50s backbeat, bringing
the Brother Kite's rock full circle. ~ Kenyon Hopkin