Single Review: Audio Karate – Self Titled

An odd one this. Two songs unearthed from a ‘lost’ album of 13 tracks self-recorded as the follow-up to the acclaimed Lady Melody album (Kung Fu Records, 2004). This release feels very much like the band putting up a finger to see which way the wind is blowing. Audio Karate are back, for sure, and the recent dates with the Descendents is a strong endorsement of this belated revival of their fortunes and the band’s decision to make another comeback.

There is no hint in the songs themselves that this is fodder from the back of the cupboard. It’s oddly fresh and compelling. There was clearly plenty of energy and passion when these tracks were laid down all those years ago. Bounce is simultaneously lovelorn and complex with a gruff, heartfelt vocal that hints at emotional depth. The final note is a chiming major chord, at odds with the angsty feel of the song. Landing would not sound out of place on The Pixies’ Doolittle album and that’s not a criticism. It’s an anthemically dreamy loud-quiet-loud masterpiece with a falsetto vocal that will worm its way into your mind and heart.

How representative are these lost/found recordings of today’s Audio Karate? Time will tell, I guess. If the energy and passion remains, the band’s golden days need not necessarily be behind them. Hopefully new ‘new’ material will follow after the gold of these lost recordings has been mined out. In the meantime, this is worth checking out, for sure.

The Audio Karate EP can be purchased here