II, Melodic ***

Deconstructing and delineating the sounds that have gone into K-X-P’s second album provides a lengthy list of musical subgenres, but the real beauty of II lies in what Timo Kaukolampi and friends have done with these ingredients. From dub-tech and Krautrock-vroom to punky jazz and house mannerisms, K-X-P pack a lot into their dense, dark, powerful tracks. Rather than overwhelm listeners with such intensity, the band lighten their sound with neatly crafted grooves and sweet flourishes. Melody is pop from another dimension, a track that comes bounding your way with thumping good cheer. Kaukolampi’s vocals do veer to the moody and broody side of the fence, but the appearance of Annie (In the Valley) is a steer in another direction. For all that, K-X-P are at their best when they go jamming for the hills on Staring at the Moon and

Magnetic North. facebook.com/ kxp.official

Download:Melody, Staring at the Moon