The Reign of Kindo

[Morris Marina]

Hi,

Does anyone here listen to a band called The Reign Of Kindo? There is something about their sound, specifically on their older self-titled EP, that I am very fond of, and was wondering if there were something specific on how these tracks were mixed or mastered. Here is the best quality online stream I could find, of a fantastic track off of the EP:

The Reign of Kindo EP - Virb

(I could post a better quality MP3, but I think that would be breaking the forum rules?) I'd say a great deal of it is due to the excellent musicians in the band, but specifically I'm trying to find out how they can keep each instrument so clear and isolated, with the overall track dynamic, and yet still "loud" enough for contemporary mixes.

It must be a combination of things I'm sure, but I was just wondering if there were anything that immediately stands out to you from the get-go. Or if anyone had any information on the mixing or mastering process of this EP, that would be wonderful!

Thanks,
MM

[DRC]

An amazing band that is still relatively unheard of. I caught them live at a venue here in Chicago where they were that last act on a three band bill. There were only 20 people left after they were ready to play and blew everyone away by being just as tight live as they sound on record. The kid has a great voice and a beautiful sense of melody and the rhythm section is outstanding. The only thing I would fault the band for is having too many anthems on one album. You can only be brought to the mountain top so many times in 30 mins.

I think the singer/guitarist wrote the tunes and recorded and mixed them himself. He did a great job balancing the whole thing. And you are right, it never comes across as too loud or crunchy. The mastering engineer either did a great job or didn't have to do much to begin with. And kudos to him if he did leave it alone.

I totally recommend this album to anyone. Prog-heads, Jazz-heads, Rockers...there are even touches of R&B going on in a few songs. Think Maroon 5 meets Steely Dan meets Paralells-era Fates Warning. I know that doesn't make sense but these guys make it work.

[Morris Marina]

I too am surprised that they have not garnered the popularity they deserve. Beautiful songwriting, extremely listenable, and absolutely brilliant musicianship. I'd love to see them live some day. I completely agree with you on the excessive anthems; the "Rhythm, Chord, & Melody" album is a little overwhelming in its grandiosity, but that coming as a complaint I think is a testament to just how ambitious this band really is.

If it's true that the singer not only wrote, but produced the tracks himself as well, then that man is unbelievably talented. "Rhythm, Chord, & Melody" on the other hand, sounds a little too over-hyped and even shrill in some cases, but their first EP is wonderfully balanced and translates exceptionally well to nearly every set of speakers and cans that I've listened through. Certainly a sign of a well-done master.

Hopefully we can find out a bit more on how these tracks were produced. In the meantime, though, I think I will continue to use the EP as a reference for mixes that demonstrate a fine balance of clarity, "commercial loudness," and comfortable dynamics.

[DRC]

I didn't know of any EP. All I have is Rhythm, Chord & Melody and to my ears it sounds just fine in comparison with most of the recent stuff I have bought.