Drawing us in with a timeless guitar soundscape, and an expansive and dynamic solo, The Kessels open Loosen up with the Kessels with atmospheric vocals and an observation as they share the line, “I saw you try to smile…”
The opus expands with situational and meaningful prose, as The Kessels take us on a trip through their psyche and lived experience. Loosen up with the Kessels demonstrates instrumental mastery, with elements of alternative rock and psychedelic Brit pop, needless to say, we are mesmerized.
We learn that The Kessels recorded Loosen up with the Kessels in Boston in 1986. Speaking on the release, the band confess, “It was one song that we honed and honed in the studio. And then we shelved it. Then the master reel was lost for 37 years.”
Speaking on the message of the song, The Kessels tell us that it is about “unrequited love, tough love.” They add charismatically, “It’s caring about the other but this encouragement to “go out and get around town” actually means please piss off.”
Writer and composer Lawrence LaFerla says, “My lyrics were very close to the bone on this one. It was a moment of major transition in my life. The desperate tone of the vocal was genuine.”
Fans of Big Star, Kurt Vile, Eyelids, Elephant Stone, Robyn Hitchcock, New Order and Juno Roome might be able to connect with the newly mastered release, although there is no doubt that The Kessels are creating a universe of their own.
The Kessels features Steve Harrell on guitar, “Mr Kessel” on vocals, whilst Matt Elmes plays bass, Garry Miles slays on the drums. The artwork features the enigmatic Mr Wong, and we have added the single to our New Music Spotlight playlist, whilst we anticipate future and archive releases from the band!