Smother + Evil = Hurt

April 16, 2007

Sometimes a song comes along that’s so freakin’ good that nothing else really matters about the band, everytime you think of them you’re automatically linked to that one song. Think “Young Folks”, “Hey Now Now”, “Oh Mandy” or even “Crazy”. I think Danish band The Kissaway Trail have a chance of reaching indie greatness (and beyond?) with “Smother + Evil = Hurt”. Like the aforementioned songs it jumps at you and is immediately recognizable, but the ante is sufficiently upped with this powerful number.

The opening swell of violins, synths, and bells sets an absolutely stunning pace for the song and the first verse makes good on that opening promise. Søren’s B. Corneliussen’s recognizably Scandanavian vocals tell us “We put our favorite tracks on repeat” while guitars chime in the background. Then that majestic orchestral crescendo comes in again as the track phrase is repeated. The next verse adds a violin to the mix and builds the energy till the next choral climax. The ending is what takes the song to a different level though, the whole band joins in the vocals and the guitars flood you with sound and the drums pound out a marching beat. Freakin’ mind-blowing stuff? Definitely. The best 3:24 you could spend with your stereo today? Most likely. Forgive my best song ever hyperbole, but this just might be the best song ever.

MP3 The Kissaway Trail – Smother + Evil = Hurt (<--Download immediately)

Knowing full well that it'd be nearly impossible to give you another song of that level from the band, here's the only other song I have from The Kissaway Trail. It's called "Eloquence and Elixir" and while it meanders a bit in the verses it has a fantastic chorus. I'm greatly anticipating their debut album which should be out on Bella Union sometime soon.

MP3 The Kissaway Trail – Eloquence and Elixir

Watch the Smother + Evil = Hurt Music Video
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Posted by Taylor in Track Review