The Kaves – Exile EP (review)

Following the release of tracks ‘Somber’ and ‘Superglue’ earlier this year, Glasgow based, four piece The Kaves are back with two new songs to complete the release of their EP, Exile.

Opening track ‘Mr Hollywood’ has all the energy of a multitude of 90s guitar rock. The opening riff instantly had me thinking of Foo Fighters, particularly ‘Everlong’. David MacDiarmid has strong swaggering vocals, a tinge of his Glaswegian accent pulls through but also has elements of Wunderhorse frontman Jacob Slater. 

Musically the band are tight and polished with lead guitarist Liam Prior perfectly complimented by the pumping percussion and bass from Evan Hunter and Sean Prior, respectively. The crescendo in particular hits hard with crashing drums and grungey guitars that will leave you breathless. 

‘Exile’ is the second of the new tracks and it too has obvious nods to alternative rock influences such as The Smashing Pumpkins and even early Stereophonics. MacDiarmid’s vocals sound more tender here, but the rock snarl still comes and goes. It’s another example of an up-and-coming band brimming with confidence and clearly firing on all cylinders. 

Having already headlined G2 in Glasgow recently, The Kaves are ready to embark on a winter tour of England. We can keep our fingers crossed there will be another local gig before the year is out. What we can be sure of is that The Kaves are only just getting started and it’s evident why they already have such a loyal following.  

Exile EP is out now