#326: KO_PLUNE - AUDITORY ATLAS

2016
Indie Rock, Alternative
Self-Released

Ko_Plune are an Indie Rock quartet from Southampton who have built up a diverse sound. "Auditory Atlas" is the debut self-released EP, containing 5 tracks. Right from the bat on opening track "Rare Error" I can hear a lot of elements to their sound. In particular the synergy between the guitar and bass player are very tight indeed. Ko_Plune weave dreamy clean guitar arpeggios over slightly jazz leaning drums. Their frontwoman Courtney Gray has a lovely vocal tone that completes a beautiful and ethereal vibe on what is my favourite track of the EP. The near 7 minute song is lead by vocals for the first half, but concludes with a wonderful instrumental jam where the guitars almost sing themselves. This track shows slight Progressive Rock inflections.

Second track "Panda" is a more uptempo rocker with more emphasis on groove and punchier vocals. This song could easily be a lead single or be played on the radio. Perhaps this track isn't as ambitious as the wonderful opener, but it serves well to give the EP better pacing. Certainly a lovely uptempo song. "Hydra" is another standout track for me that sees a return to the dreamier guitar interplay of the opening track, with vocals more atmospheric than outright rocky. Closer "Machiatto" sits somewhere between their sleepy clean guitar sounds and their more upbeat and choppy Rock tracks. For me the only track on the EP that didn't really work was middle track "Red" which goes into full on rock out territory with an Americana influenced guitar line, that has this slight off-key melody that doesn't quite sit right. I could see this track being a fun one at a live show, but I think I prefer Ko_Plune when they  are at more relaxed pace, allowing for them to explore more textural space.

For a debut EP this is a very solid start that is well produced and recorded. The vocals and guitar in particular sound great and I can see that Ko_Plune have their own personality shining through in their songs. "Rare Error" is a truly spectacular song, and I think the style of this song could easily be taken into further directions. It felt like the more uptempo songs were sacrificing their progressive side, but Ko_Plune have proven that they can flirt with different styles and make them gel. "Auditory Atlas" is a fine launching pad for a band still finding their niche, and I predict Ko_Plune will know which areas to expand upon for their next outing. 7/10.