Crescendo Review: KSM's 'Read Between The Lines'

demiUP — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 04:54:09 -0700

KSM CD Review: “Read Between the Lines”
By demiUP

The first time I heard of KSM was less than a year ago, when I heard their single Distracted – and I don’t even remember where that was. At the time, I liked their song, and mentally gave them kudos for being an all-girls band. Now, after listening to their debut album multiple times (not that I minded), I have to say that these girls have got a lot going for them.

The band consists of Shelby Cobra (whose last name isn’t actually Cobra, apparently) on lead vocals, Katie Cecil on guitar and back up vocals, Sophia Melon on bass guitar and back up vocals, Shae Padilla on lead guitar and Kate Cabebe on drums. Their name comes is a combination of their first names (which all start with “K” or “S”) and “music,” something else I found nifty.

The album begins with “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” an upbeat song about not letting someone else bring you down. The upbeat songs on the album are “Crazy Over You,” “Read Between the Lines,” “Saturdays and Sundays,” “Permission to Party,” “Distracted,” “Don’t Come Crying to Me,” “Slow Motion,” “Two Guitars, Bass and a Drum,” and “I Want You to Want Me.” So, basically, most of the album. The songs that aren’t as upbeat are “Unpredictable” (which I’d describe as midtempo), “Every Time You Go,” and “Best Friends Forever.”

Now, all these upbeat songs aren’t a bad thing, seeing as the album is definitely the kind to rock out to. I want to focus on a couple of songs instead of all of them, because reviewing thirteen songs, one by one, would be really long. So, here we go.

KSM covered Cheap Trick’s “I Want You to Want Me,” one of my all-time favorite songs, and they did a really good job of it. Shelby’s voice is really unique, which gives the song an interesting touch. When comparing the original with the band’s cover, what came to mind is Cheap Trick’s timelessness. The song is from 1977, and it’s still well-known, something that KSM didn’t exactly achieve, but putting their own spin on it is always good, in my opinion.

My favorite song on the album, however, is “Unpredictable.” The song is slightly deeper than the other songs, and has a really, really cool guitar part, which won me over completely. Katie and Sophia’s singing is more noticeable in this song as well, and they blend in together great. My second favorite is “Distracted,” which is a very easy to relate to song. It describes exactly what anyone who has a crush on someone goes through, not to mention the amazing beat it has.

A song that hit a chord was “Best Friends Forever,” which is the kind of song that can be yours and your best friend’s anthem. I think this song is just perfect for any friend who sees their friend when they need them, and of all the songs, it has the most personal meaning. And my least favorite song (though this doesn’t mean I don’t like it) is “Permission to Party,” which, even though it features some amazing vocals and cool guitar-playing (that I always notice most because the guitar is my favorite instrument), seems pretty much just pointless, as catch as it is.

The album in its entirety is really good. They’ve got that “chick rock” thing going for them, and (even thought I’ve never actually seen them live) really good stage presence, which, of course, always helps. I’d give the album an eight out of ten.

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Sprinkle Pop — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 12:41:25 -0700

KSM: Read Between The Lines OFFCIAL Music Video

Sprinkle Pop — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:59:11 -0700

KSM Webisode 8

Sprinkle Pop — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:47:46 -0700

Hunted - Part 3 from I Heart Vampires on Take180.com

Watch KSM perform on the popular web series "I <3 Vampires" as a band called Vagablond! The girls rock the stage with their single "Read Between The Lines." Preorder their debut album here.

KSM: Radio Disney Takeover

marz526 — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 13:38:50 -0700

All girl band KSM takes over Radio Disney promoting their new album Read Between the Lines.

You can pick up a copy on September 22nd!