KIRRA, a hard rock/alternative metal band from Oklahoma City are set to release their mind-blowing third album, ‘Redefine’. With their first single: ‘Caving in’ surpassing 30,000 streams on Spotify and 55,000 views on YouTube in just four weeks, you can already tell that this album will be a hit!
‘Redefine’ begins with a short instrumental piece, a theme that is becoming increasingly popular in the rock scene. The screeching guitar riffs gradually intensify as the piece progresses, and it paves the way perfectly for the introduction of ‘Pull You Out’. At a whopping six minutes, ‘Pull You Out’ is the longest track on the album and is a great first insight in to KIRRA’s new avenue. The track really showcases Gabriel Parson’s raspy, roaring vocals, which combined with the fierce melody, makes for ideal mosh-pitting material! This is a similar vibe as to what can be found in ‘Blind’, the fiery vocals are rediscovered but on a much more intense level, bringing in their alternative metal sound.
The next track, ‘Brooding’ stands out as quite an odd one. It begins with almost country style guitar plucking, but as the song evolves it embraces elements of more hard rock. The track also takes the form of a monologue with spoken word being used throughout, which although it gives the song an edge, it was often drowned out by the music. ‘I Didn’t Know’ is another good example of a stand out track but for different reasons. It begins with a subdued intro, something that is a rare find on the album, but combined with the poignant vocals and raw emotion makes for quite a chilling listen! The song hits perfectly at both ends of the spectrum with its melodious start evolving in to a ferocious attack in the second half, it keeps you on the edge of your seat!
‘Caving In’ was the first single released for this album and it was definitely a wise choice! Its thrashing start and passionate lyrics reflect on standing in the face of things and confronting issues head on in an effort to combat ones life collapsing. The deep message of the track makes it an even more meaningful listen.
‘Huxley’s Warning’ revisits the monologue style that we heard earlier on in the album but puts a twist on it. It sounds as if it could be a retro, radio style announcement, something for information rather than entertainment. It references advancements in technology and problems that have emerged as a result, these messages are incredibly fitting for the next track: ‘Free’. ‘Free’ is a song of frustration that elaborates on prior messages about technology and being unable to speak your mind in such a heavily censored world. The lyrics reject censorship and the policing of peoples thoughts while outlining the conflicting relationship between technology and freedom, an issue that is becoming increasingly relevant in our society.
A thunderous bassline starts KIRRA’s third single: ‘Passageway’, paving the way perfectly for the shattering guitar and harsh vocals found later in the introduction. This single details the journey people embark on when trying to escape toxic environments that stand in the way of people reaching their full potential, while not accepting the fate of other people as your own.
‘Redefine’ concludes with ‘Potential’, a blood pumping, mysterious track which leaves the listeners on a high. It begins with a jolted intro and intricate plucking which develops in to a harmonious cacophony of electric guitar and searing vocals. The ideal conclusion to an explosive burst of meaningful lyrics illustrated with alternative metal melodies!