The Kendals - Single Review: Passion
Auckland three-piece The Kendals have released their debut single Passion, a dreamy synth-pop track looking at the experience of falling in love from a different angle. The Kendals are Lucia Zara, Michael Redwood, and James Dalton.
Described by the band as “a story of the modern romantic landscape”, Passion explores the idea of being “only in love with being in love” - chasing not love itself but the thrill and validation of a relationship.
Singer Lucia Zara’s unusual but captivating tone pulls the listener in immediately - there are hints of the soft, casual style of singing popular in indie-pop as well as the distinct hardness of Florence Welch (of Florence + the Machine). The first verse lets Zara’s voice take centre stage against a backdrop of a minimalist, Lorde-esque beat and analogue synths. The lyrics are dotted with strong imagery and snappy rhymes, delivered with conviction. The chorus introduces further synth textures and lush harmonies, which are really shown off when the instruments drop off at the end of the chorus.
Passion ticks all the boxes of a good pop song, while not falling for some of the more common pitfalls of the genre. In particular, the vocals have been given much more room in the EQ spectrum than is standard, preserving the body of Zara’s wonderful voice. The chord sequence in the chorus begins with the first three chords of the well-known “four chords” sequence, then takes it in a different direction for the hook.
The arrangement and instrumentation of Passion is simple at face value, but there is plenty there for synth fans to get into, particularly from the second verse onward. Well placed extra percussion and rhythms showcase but never overtake the vocal line and leading into the final chorus the backing vocals are used rhythmically as well to great effect.
The Kendals aim to create songs that are “both thought provoking and catchy” - and they’ve achieved it already with Passion. With a full EP on the way in November, the Kendals will be one to watch at festivals and on the radio in the coming years.
About The Kendals
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