People Club's Kil Scott is a sharp, 15-minute injection of psychedelic pop. Like some whispy and autumnal mutation of The Police, it's defined by syncopated grooves so laid-back that at points they border on muzak. Given the industry's near-constant glut of lo-fi indie rockers, you might take this as a criticism. But the strength of Kil Scott is in this delicacy.
No idea, musical or otherwise, is forced. Lyrics' dry wit and sincerity are given breathing space, and melodic ideas are fully conceived and explored. This work is fascinatingly self-tempering; it clips its own wings on the verge of fledging. But it's not failure to launch, or toothlessness — it's balance, nuance, and control.
Kil Scott touches on imbalances of power, both social and inter-personal. Its four songs discuss, among more topics, sexism, homophobia, and destructive relationships. All the while, People Club keep a deft handle on everything, balancing the personal with the political. Subjects are filtered through a stark, emotive and confessional voice. But Kil Scott never loses perspective; it's pointed, but never didactic.
Its first and last tracks serve to illustrate this balance. 'Perfume', the opener, explores the paranoia, venom and defeat of a dying relationship. It's internalised and brooding. 'Who I Call My Baby', though, is an outward projection. It defies an undefined source of homophobia which would meddle in a couple's love. What's impressive is how People Club approach these two pieces from the same place — one of tenderness and compassion. By the time Kil Scott finishes, you'll wonder how they packed so much in.
Kil Scott will be available to purchase and stream on the 15th of November. Stream single ‘Perfume’ here.
Words by Andrew O’Keefe