That's about as close as I can get to the sound of Full Blown Kirk. The style that they have almost defies category, moving in and out of familiar realms with a soundscape that must be heard to be believed. Kinda Portishead, kinda Soul Coughing, kinda De La Soul, but not at all... if you know what I mean. You can hear the work that goes into this music in every song.

Full Blown Kirk has 5 members; Alison Scola and Krista Tortora on vocals, Joe Minadeo on keyboards and sequencing, Jack Randall on guitar, and Dave Braun on drums. Alison and Krista's voices are like those of fallen angels, interweaving and harmonizing eerily, as if they were one person split in twain. Joe fills up the sound with his non-intrusive keyboard work, with enough 'random' noise to keep you interested and surprised. Jack's guitar slides and ducks around the melody, adding funk and roughness to the ensemble. The rhythm, which can change from the now familiar hip-hop beat to a more tribal groove at any moment, is Dave's work. All in all, some very powerful stuff.

Connsummate artists, these guys don't stop just at the music. The website itself is a work of art, courtesy of Teresa Kiplinger. Full of amazing graphics give your eye a treat, and plenty of downloads to keep your ear interested. Keep in mind, the new album 'Zero Day" is due out soon. Do yourself a favor, and check them out.

-- Brett Tribe

Images/Design © Teresa Kiplinger, 1997.