Opening with a wave of mighty rock, Vanishing Point is a song to be reckoned with. You can attempt to wrestle it to the ground, but your efforts will no doubt be fruitless as the overwhelming energy of the music crushes you into nothingness. Bit of a violent way to start a review, but I couldn’t think of anything more suitable to write about Kestrels’ latest single.
It’s not all rock riffs and solos though. The vocals are hugely emotive and evoke the listener to engage with Vanishing Point in a way that many songs fail to achieve. It has an alluring and endearing quality, as the voice shares a vulnerability that will no doubt be relatable to many. This is representative of everything else in the track. Each instrument has its own unique identity, with masterful playing ability emanating from the speakers. Reminiscent of the best parts of bands such as Manic Street Preachers and Pavement, this is a song worth playing loud, numerous times. So much so that the neighbours might complain, but then join in with your headbanging upon further inspection.
Recorded mostly to tape, this is an impressive piece of work. If Vanishing Point is anything to go by, Kestrels are one of the best new alternative rock bands out there, and we can’t wait to hear more.