God damn -- here's another amazing self-released/recorded/produced demo that showed up in my mailbox. Lots like a cross between Stereolab and Portishead with a pretty heavy dancehall kick, Full Blown Kirk features a wonderful female vocalist backed by a great band that kind of does the slow groove and the loud rock and the electronic buzz all at once. This is easily radio-quality (good radio, that is) material, and I don't have a clue why they're not being played. These songs are borderline goth without being maudlin, featuring some heavy guitar work that brings some of the songs close to being classic metal, yet still enough upbeat percussion to push this into pop territory. If it sounds like I'm struggling for words here, I am -- this shit's just great, that's all.

-- Holly Day