Kandi Coded – Fell For The Gift

Over the past twenty years Jack Endino has produced some of the biggest names in rock – Nirvana, Murder City Devils, and Soundgarden marking some of his high points.  His dedication to the “loud Seattle rock” scene has become a defining feature as a producer, and has recently coloured his blossoming career as a musician in Kandi Coded.  Kandi Coded’s sophomore effort and Volcom Entertainment debut, Fell For The Gift, retains much of Endino’s grunge leanings, while also surveying a variety of related genres from punk to classic rock for a 90’s rock album sure to please long time fans.

To start with, lead vocalist Jamie Lynn fits the part like a glove.  Falling somewhere between radio rockers Stained and underground punks The Generators, Lynn should find broad acceptance in both scenes.  For example, tracks like “Walk Away” crank up the grunge influence in grand fashion, while those like “Hide My Tracks” open with a near-Social Distortion raspiness.  Neither influence completely consumes any one track entirely, furthering the band’s broad appeal.

Instrumentally, Kandi Coded covers a similar ground.  While the majority of Fell For The Gift operates around a guitar heavy mid-tempo measure, the riffs on tracks like “Hurt Till It Beeds” take a nod from classic rock legends like Led Zeppelin.  Furthermore, unlike labelmates Year Long Disaster, Kandi Coded internalizes particular aspects of their influences, extracting only their energy and inspiration, rather than importing the entire ensemble verbatim.  When contrasted with speedy punk outings like “Step Outside” and colourful metal tinged solos in “Without You,” the result feels consistently fresh and exciting.

Granted, if grunge was never really your thing in the 90’s, Fell For The Gift probably won’t change your mind.  That being said, I’m relatively neutral towards the movement and still managed to extract most of my enjoyment from the punk and classic rock leanings, so those less favourable may find room for forgiveness.

Overall, Kandi Coded aspires to keep an old sound fresh.  Boasting a rather diverse range for an album that could easily stand up against most radio rockers, Fell For The Gift is a rock solid addition to Seattle’s aging legacy scene.  Fans of no frills punk and rock should leave satisfied.