LIES – Lies
The latest project from cousins Mike and Nate Kinsella (American Football), Lies is a more synth-driven yet promising debut from these emo veterans
At this stage, the Kinsella family is so synonymous with the "emo" genre that they have a signature style of guitar playing named after them. Mike (and his brother Tim), as well as cousin Nate have been legendary figures in the scene for over 30 years, thanks to their work in Cap'n Jazz, Joan of Arc and, amazingly, the crossover-appeal of the recently reformed American Football. However, it is oft-forgotten how experimental and jazz-influnced some of their impressive ouevre is.
LIES is the latest project from Mike and Nate, born out of isolation from COVID as an off-shoot from American Football, and serves as a more synth-driven amalgamation of their established style. Long-time fans need not be disappointed, it is still chock full of the earnest lyricism Mike is known for, but LIES takes on a more brooding approach.
Blemishes sets the scene perfectly, opening on vocal loops for the two cousins to layer over in textbook gorgeous fashion, yet it is in the run of Resurrection, Broken and Camera Chimera that the album really hits its stride. While far from their most iconic work, Lies is a promising debut from these emo veterans.
Listen to: Resurrection, Broken, Camera Chimera