Southampton based experimental four-piece Ko_Plune are
examined under the music microscope.
examined under the music microscope.
Southampton has the blessing of a diverse and vibrant music scene. There is huge interest in metal, dance, club and pop music. Somewhere in the middle of these entities lie Ko_Plune. An experimental, progressive band making waves along the south coast.
In February this year Ko_Plune released their Auditory Atlas EP via bandcamp (link below). On this EP they show clear experimentation, going completely against the conventions of how songs should be structured. 'Rare Error' is an example of this. Halfway through, the song completely shifts dynamic and goes down a soft and delicate path only to then slowly build up again and rejoin the original route. The song is largely an instrumental, but the vocal that is present soothingly flows across the top of the music in the same way that Pavement's Stephen Malkmus does on the bands album Slanted and Enchanted - minus the female voice.
Listening to the other songs available on the bands bandcamp account, it's obvious that they have a clear vision for the band. 'Hydra' is hark back to the early 90s shoegaze era. With its jangly guitars and angelic vocals it wouldn't sound out of place on a Slowdive record. But, in no way are Ko_Plune one of those revivalist bands we see more and more of these days. Their desire to constantly try and catch you off guard is admirable. And at the same time, this experimenting isn't overdone. Instead it's weaved cleverly into their songs creating a really distinctive and polished sound.
Having not (yet) seen then band live, there is no way to determine how this strange - but intriguing - music is portrayed on a stage. Ko_Plune may leave you confused and bewildered, but it's just so different and weird that it makes for a really interesting listen.
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