Kat Burns' self-described title of "folkpoptronica" regarding her post-Forest City Lovers solo project Kashka may lead us to believe that the once front-woman of one of Toronto's now-defunct folk favourites have suddenly submerged herself in a pool of synths, but that's not necessarily the case. On her debut full length, Bound, Burns merely flirts with the use of electronics and utilizes them in moderation as to not give us too much of a shock.
What we end up with are a number of songs that remind us of Burns' ability to craft sweet and simple pop melodies with her featherweight vocals while transitioning into something modern with a new set of tools. Lead single "Never Had It" and the guitar-led "Maybe It's Time" are very indicative of her folk-pop past; the latter's use of orchestral and percussion elements practically feel like a lost Forest City Lovers track. But her progressive moves are just as infectious, and definitely embrace a groovier dance backbone, such as on the beat-heavy "Prophet" and "Cursed Wind." Kashka ultimately bares Burns' signature dream-like signature, though; one that we're glad has not vanished from the Canadian music scene, whether folk, pop or electronic.
(Play the Triangle)What we end up with are a number of songs that remind us of Burns' ability to craft sweet and simple pop melodies with her featherweight vocals while transitioning into something modern with a new set of tools. Lead single "Never Had It" and the guitar-led "Maybe It's Time" are very indicative of her folk-pop past; the latter's use of orchestral and percussion elements practically feel like a lost Forest City Lovers track. But her progressive moves are just as infectious, and definitely embrace a groovier dance backbone, such as on the beat-heavy "Prophet" and "Cursed Wind." Kashka ultimately bares Burns' signature dream-like signature, though; one that we're glad has not vanished from the Canadian music scene, whether folk, pop or electronic.
