Oklahoma Gazette CD Review: Kite Flying Robot

Here's to cool.

March 2nd, 2011

For an album that boasts 13 different instruments, eight vocalists and a bling-tastic title, I expected the Oklahoma City-based Kite Flying Robot’s debut to be a giddy, stuffed-to-the-hilt affair.

Surprisingly, it’s marked not by excess, but by tasteful arrangements that result in strong pop songs.

Anchored by mild-mannered electronic beats (think The Postal Service) and Nikolas Thompson’s calm, seductive voice, the songs reveal various parts and melodies at a leisurely pace. These unhurried tracks are long on a slinky, sunglasses-atnight-cool mood, and short on riffs or explosions of adrenaline.

The restraint is what sets the album aside from other pop efforts; KFR always leaves the listener wanting more. From the charming piano of “Airplane Nosebleed” to the hip-hop blast of “28-16-15-7” to the clapping and group sing-along on “Song for the Dandies,” the act creates a mood, sets melodies and then sticks flourishes on without maxing out. I suppose that’s what the live show is for.

Whatever the band’s intentions, “Solid Gold” throws down some excellent tunes. Here’s to cool.

"Solid Gold" is available at both Guestroom Records locations, Bandcamp, iTunes and shows. —Stephen Carradini

God bless metal

Here for the party

Bright stripes

Reverb brotherhood

Back to basics

Kite Flying Robot — Solid Gold

Here's to cool.