Kuzin | Cavity (Kill Canyon)

The songs are well-crafted, but the album seems to lack the punch it seems it could have delivered.

 

Jessica Maros, one half of the critically acclaimed duo Escondido, has just released her first solo effort under the name Kuzin (pronounced “cousin”). Cavity is a schizophrenic mixture of pop, punk, and lo-fi alternative. Vocally ambitious, Maros shows shades of Joan Jett, Stevie Nicks, and Alanis Morissette. Her style is eclectic, playing with many different types of vocal delivery.

Produced by Grammy winner Bill Reynolds, the production is loose and raw, allowing for improvisation and well-timed mistakes. The songs are well-crafted, but the album seems to lack the punch it seems it could have delivered. If one goes by tracks such as “Dumb Bitch,” it appears the rock and roll in Maros was suppressed a bit. Songs like “On My Mind” and, “Run Deeper” show more of the edgy side of Kuzin. Reminiscent of acts like the Casket Girls, the album goes from subdued to ethereal to rocking in the 10 tracks offered.

The lo-fi side of the production is used well here, accenting the arrangements. The harmonies, almost Cranberries-esque, ring through the overall sound. Spotlight tracks include “Dumb Bitch,” with its up-yours attitude; “Take Another,” with a Morissette-feel, and, “On My Mind,” which, again, shows the harder side of the artist. Overall, a good listen, yet something seems to be missing. Perhaps if left to her more rock side, the album would take off and stay in that atmosphere; as is, it seems to fall midflight. C | Marc J. Farr