- Kiyoko is the rather dramatic collaboration by Synkro and Bering Strait. They feel their emotions deeply, and they really want you to feel them too. Their debut last year indulged Synkro's tendencies to over-emote, but it was also an unexpected display of lucidity when it easily could have just been a waft of cheap perfume. They return for a go on Samurai's vinyl-only sub-label with refreshing brevity and precision.
Here, the duo tackle cheesy elements head-on, as if taking on a challenge. I'm not quite sure how they did it, but even my cynical mind is moved during the untitled third track, as what sound like pan flutes flicker dimly in the distance. The second track sounds like a transplant from the Autonomic days, with its sighing synths and Detroit chords, but they gussy up that template with poignant string plucks and whispered vocal exhortations. The EP is bookended by two stately interludes: the first features searing guitar leads a la David Gilmour, and the latter pings icy piano chords off of a dissolving drum pattern. Kiyoko isn't for everyone, but when it hits the right chords? Man, they're gorgeous.
Tracklist A1 Track 1
A2 Track 2
B1 Track 3
B2 Track 4