When great things come to an end, sometimes they are reincarnated as superior beings with extra organs. Kite Party began its incubation period in the winter of 2007 following the demise of Tamaqua, PA's beloved: The Mother/Daughter Team. A brief history without dwelling too much on the past: TM/DT formed in 2005 in the unlikely coal region of Schuylkill County. They gained a devoted local following and trailblazed a path along the east coast, breaking hearts upon departure of each town.
After a brief hibernation, 3/4ths of The Mother/Daughter Team joined forces with multi-instrumentalist, Tim Jordan, and played their first show in February of 2008. Along with Tim, the eternally-bearded Justin Fox performs the Harlem Shuffle on instruments. The switches are rarely seen by the human eye as they trade guitar, bass, and keyboards. Russell Edling shares six-string duties and lead vocals, possessing a heartfelt rasp that occasionally garners comparisons to Paul Westerburg. Rounding out the band is Pete Knepper, whose unique drumming is clever and innovative without getting all Neal Peart on your ass.
In the Spring of 2008, Kite Party self-released Hand Claps Music, which was recorded by Brian Gogal at Angela Recording Studio in Coaldale, PA, and mixed by Dan McKinney (Pissed Jeans, Lewis & Clarke, Okay Paddy). The 8 song CD presented a luminous beginning and made for a damn fine collection of tunes. Hand Claps Music sold fairly well, earning the band enough money to buy a restored mansion in Philadelphia, which they now call their home.
Although they are a young band, Kite Party's sound exudes confidence and maturity, evoking a variety of influences that are chewed up, swished around, and spat out into something fresh and new. Musically, they represent the opposing forces of tight vs. unpolished, melodic vs. rough, and anthemic vs. restrained. Call it what you will: post- punk, indie-rock, amplified folk? In the end, genres and labels are garbage, as Kite Party is a band that needs to be experienced.
Kite Party recorded Wish Mountain in three short days in November 2008, again recording with Brian Gogal at the Angela Studio. The band mixed the EP themselves, and with some tweaking from Brian, sent the tracks to be mastered in February 2009. Wish Mountain captures the musical melting pot sound Kite Party thrives on in just four songs. The title track, "Wish Mountain", is dark and heavy hitting, but with intricate nuances on guitar and keyboards. The closing track, "Firefighters", is a warm and smooth slow-dancer.
Website
Myspace
Onesheet ("Wish Mountain" EP .pdf, *note it takes a few seconds to load)
Booking
Press
PRESS PHOTO
RELEASES
Wish Mountain EP [PQR008 - CD / digital] - Released May 26, 2009
Select Press: coming soon
Mp3 :
Indian Pete mp3
Cover Art:
Hi Res / Web Res
