KASMS - Spayed

From the chaotic opening barrage of noise in ‘Male Bonding’ to the more vocal led Insects, the first few songs on KASMS’ debut album ‘Spayed’ are a comprehensive introduction of their worrying sound. The frequent blood-curdling screams from singer Rachel-Mary Callaghan evoke the mood perfectly, a haunting mix of piercing shrieks and forceful guitars. In fact, their description of their sound, ‘shriekbeat’ is the ultimate term for this act. Despite perhaps harking back to Siouxsie Sous, ‘shriekbeat’ seemingly remains their own unique sound, although KASMS often are unfortunately grouped in with the ‘neo-goth’ movement of bands such as Ipso Facto and An Experiment On A Bird In The Air Pump. This should not be the case. The frenzy of this sound, however, does feel familiar and in a sense it forms a complete silhouette of the combination of the quartet’s former bands.

A number of critics have slammed KASMS for a lack of musicality. Well, this is purely incorrect. Perhaps it is too thin a line for some between lacking in musicality and just being bawdy. For example, ‘KRIH’, taken at a gallop, certainly provides evidence for a more tuneful side to KASMS, away from the less distinct melodies of other songs on their repertoire. The next song, ‘Don’t Hit The Bottom’, extends this aura. It’s a great jumble of discordant rock mixed with compelling vocals and to some extent a hint towards an influence from the Middle East. Recent single, ‘Bone You’ is without a doubt one of ‘Spayed’’s highlights. It’s exciting, riotous and barbaric. This isn’t a one off either. It is like this throughout the whole of ‘Spayed’, most obviously in songs such as ‘Siren Sister’, another fantastic song. Closing song, ‘Murmur, is a great ending to a successful album, featuring an exciting double attack of twin vocals.

KASMS don’t pretend to be anyone else, they certainly aren’t pretentious. Quite simply and apologies for the cliché, they rock. KASMS are an intriguing band for sure.