Fighting Kites

North London four piece Fighting Kites started life in 2009, their brand of intimate instrumental rock immediately setting them apart from the arty crowd that usually inhabits the post-rock tag. Delicate structures of gentle and sweeping beauty permeate this debut record, opener “Chuck Close” a subtle composition of lightly struck notes and slow introductions to a range of noises. As the track perambulates towards its close, layers upon layers of different sounds weave in and out of jaunty lines of guitar and bass. Rich organ sounds thrown themselves into the mix on “Grey Starling” and whilst it may sound a little overblown if you’re reading this, the touches are so tenderly interspersed that there is no sign of this act becoming ridiculously pretentious. Each element is placed with care and poise and their inclusion adds to the experience rather than it feeling like too much.

Flute, saxophone and dulcimer also make an appearance on Fighting Kites, but this group are so finely in tune with each small addition to their tracks that it’s easy to just ride the wave of their sweet summery vibe. Balmy melancholy waves infuse “Eyelash” with just the right amount of forlorn hope and Fighting Kites is the perfect soundtrack to compliment the last hazy days of warmth; rolling in flourishes of loss and the countered art of anticipation. A soothing and mellow tone saturates this debut, Fighting Kites well versed in the power of that old adage “less is more,” and even when a whole heap of curious electro sounds are jammed into “Mustard After Dinner,” the madness of it all still rings true. Pushing those beats into closer "Roast" and layering luscious organ harmonies, Fighting Kites ends on a bittersweet note, much like the final throes of the glow of summer.

7.5 / 10 — Cheryl