The Karma Party
Illumination
5 Track E.P
Beautiful Life Records
Released 11th August 2014
Out Now!
Written for Ramzine
The Karma Party – Blackpool UK
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/thekarmaparty
Genre: Punk-Step
Biography:
“Rising out of the dingy, boarded up holiday underworld that is
Blackpool, The Karma Party have come
to make their mark on this tiny island as a thorn in the side of the
establishment – four proud nemeses of the government, the royal family,
celebrity culture, the banking system and the music industry. They are
outsiders, firm proponents of “punk-step” – an innovative, punchy sound
incorporating punk, hard core, dark step and dub elements with fast, melodic
guitars and electronica, peppered with rapid-fire destructive lyrics that
explode into social consciousness.
The Karma Party released their first E.P, 'Dark Matters', in 2013 with single
releases, 'This is Britain', 'Collapse' and 'They Tell Me'. Touring extensively
with bands such as The Slackers, Sonic Boom Six, Random Hand, Dirty Revolution
and Jaya the Cat, The Karma Party
finished the year by writing and recording new material for their new E.P,
Illumination - OUT NOW. With new material set released in autumn 2014, the band
have a hectic year ahead of them with national and international shows,
festivals and a headline tour booked for October!”
-------
Always up for reviewing something that bit different and Punk-Step kind
of peaked the interest somewhat and any band who is against government and the
Royals certainly ticks two of the boxes on my pet hate list. Nobody could ever
accuse me of not listening to anything different though – the world needs
diversity!
World War
This is swathed in unpredictability as well as lively rhythms and
houses a kind of chanting vocal entourage that is quite pleasing on the ears.
It is a cheeky track that has its own addictive presence – loving’ this!
World War!
Under Surveillance
Another very creative track that has TKP trade mark of chanting vocal and unusual rhythms – the guys are
onto something special with this, I would say more of a rap than punk essence
but it is new and extremely catchy!
Democracy
A flair up of what is all wrong with the world and very well
produced by TKP in this very
convincing track. The cheeky punk/rap vocals from Marc are just delicious and
backed up by rugged dub step coaxing from the rest of the band is highly
amusing.
End of an Empire
You could Pogo to this make no mistake. It ripples with vibrancy
until it slows and then the clean punk vocal takes over with a southern accent
and some superb harmonies to back it up! It carries a sort of rhythmic haunting
ambiance and is very well produced.
-------------------------------------------------
“It is a cheeky reminder that we
still haven’t discovered all the new genres that are waiting out there to be
discovered and that new genres are going to appear as the years roll on and
Punk-Step is without a doubt a step in the right direction!”
-------------------------------------------------
Illumination
Piano plays a big part in this melodic track with again so many
addictive qualities. The rap essence also dominates but holds alluring hooks
and grooves with a simple melody that quickly turns into a Pogo massacre
towards the end.
Summary:
Well am I glad I got this to review!! This is really quirky and
creative, with clever lyrics that are catchy and inescapable.
It’s a potent E.P that bursts with unpredictability and is very impressive
for the ‘open minded’ I am not surprised the band are making waves with their
intriguing mix of rap/punk and dub-step it is all there.
It is a cheeky reminder that we still haven’t discovered all the new
genres that are waiting out there to be discovered and that new genres are
going to appear as the years roll on and Punk-Step is without a doubt a step
in the right direction.
For originality The Karma
Party are top of the list. They have plenty of bite, with punkish brawl and
rapturous breath that creates a new insight into getting out there what needs
to be said, and although it was done by punks in the mid 70’s they didn’t have
the ravenous chunks of dub-step to give it that rush of adrenalin.
So well done to The Karma
Party – it’s a big thumbs up from me, and hopefully people won’t be so
closed minded in order to give the band a shot at least! Pleasantly surprising
top notch stuff!!
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself singing the lyrics long
after the tracks have finished – it will be a foregone conclusion! I think I
have found my new guilty pleasure!
10/10
Track List:
World War
Under Surveillance
Democracy
End of an Empire
Illumination
Members:
Marc Walker – Vocals
Luke Hesketh – Drums/ Samples
Dave Cowley – Bass
James Routh – Guitar
Liam Carroll - Guitar
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