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· Trevor Miller
This Album has 3 Moose on the Moose Meter: 🫎🫎🫎
Los Angeles has a penchant for birthing eclectic musical talent, from the smooth, sultry voices of R&B crooners to the gritty rhymes of hip-hop prodigies. Yet, every so often, a musician emerges who so uniquely blends the contemporary with the classic, leaving us intrigued and enraptured. Enter Kid Bloom (aka Lennon Kloser), a multi-instrumentalist whose latest EP 'Shaky Knees' manifests as a vintage dream interspersed with 21st-century sensibilities.
“Sparkle”, a lead single off the album, paints a picture of the thematic and sonic journey we’re invited to embark on. At its inception, Kloser found himself meandering through a session at a friend’s nearby studio, drawing inspiration from the inimitable Joe Walsh. The track, reminiscent of ’70s glam with its groovy basslines and vibrant falsetto, is a testament to the balancing act Kid Bloom adeptly performs – paying homage to a bygone era while firmly staying rooted in contemporary production.
Let's be clear, Kloser is no novice to creating music that resonates. His 2022 offering, 'Highway', drew attention from both critics and fans. It provided him with the platform to perform alongside The Bad Suns and later, headline his own U.S. tour, gracing stages from Seattle to New York and leaving a trail of sold-out shows. This backdrop lends credence to 'Shaky Knees' – a project bursting with maturity and introspection.
Much of this album seems to reflect Kloser’s own journey of self-discovery and evolution. His previous work, deeply entrenched in the emotional upheaval of a breakup, allowed listeners a glimpse into a world of heartbreak and resilience. 'Shaky Knees', in contrast, is a deep dive into Kid Bloom’s very psyche. It’s both an exploration and a declaration of who he is and the world he’s crafted around himself.
Perhaps the most intriguing element of Kid Bloom's artistry is his microscopic perspective on growth. Where most might quantify progress in leaps and bounds, he’s content, even eager, to appreciate it moment by moment. Such a perspective is evident throughout the EP, both in the fortified confidence in his songwriting and the varied subjects he touches upon. The tracks traverse the realms of the surreal to the intimately personal, providing listeners a comprehensive view into Kloser's world.
“Walk With Me,” another standout from the EP, exemplifies Kid Bloom’s sonic evolution. With an aura of instant recognition, yet simultaneously sounding unprecedented, the track is a roller coaster of emotions. The infectious nature of Kid Bloom’s vocals combined with the buoyant bass and radiant synths crafts a dichotomy with the song’s introspective lyrics. Yet, it's this very tension that crafts the undeniable allure of the song.
It's this complexity that highlights Kloser's artistic growth. He is not just a musician; he's a storyteller, a craftsman meticulously weaving together narratives of his experiences. And true to his moniker, there's an undeniable playfulness that permeates through the seriousness, making 'Shaky Knees' a genuinely delightful experience.
In a world inundated with music, where artists often blend into a cacophony of similar sounds, Kid Bloom stands out. He’s a bridge between yesteryears and today, bringing with him the charm of vintage tunes while pioneering a fresh, contemporary sound. 'Shaky Knees' isn’t just an EP; it’s a testament to the transcendental power of music and the magic of an artist in touch with both his past and present.
In a year that's seen its fair share of musical offerings, Kid Bloom’s 'Shaky Knees' is not one to be overlooked. It’s an EP that promises to leave its mark, not just in the confines of our playlists but in the annals of music history. As for Kid Bloom, one can only eagerly anticipate where his musical odyssey will take him next. One thing's for certain: with his rare blend of nostalgic sounds and modern vibes, he's set the bar exceptionally high.