Kindred North – ‘Kindred North’

(Pride & Joy Music)

There are some albums that tick a few of my boxes, there are albums that tick most of them, and then there are albums like Kindred North that seem to have been constructed in a secret laboratory specifically designed to push all the right buttons for me. This self-titled debut from Kindred North is modern melodic rock with atmosphere, emotion and melody flowing through every note, and it has absolutely hit the spot.

I love melodic rock when it has enough heart to make you feel something, but also enough power and polish to stop it becoming overly sentimental. Kindred North understand that balance beautifully. Kindred North is an album that can be uplifting one moment, deeply emotional the next, and consistently melodic throughout. It has that modern sheen, but thankfully it never sacrifices the warmth and soul that make melodic rock so addictive in the first place.

The first thing that immediately grabbed my attention is Andreas Nergård keyboard work. I absolutely love the way the keyboards are used throughout this album. They aren't simply there to fill gaps in the arrangement or provide a nostalgic Eighties backdrop; they are an integral part of the band's sound. Atmospheric layers, shimmering textures and rich melodic passages give the songs a wonderful sense of depth. There is a cinematic quality to some of the arrangements, with the keyboards creating an emotional landscape around the guitars and vocals.

And speaking of guitars, there is plenty here for the rock fan. The album has power when it needs it, with crisp riffs, muscular rhythms and enough punch to ensure that the polished production never makes things feel lightweight. Yet the guitars always remain servants to the songs. This is melodic rock first and foremost, and Kindred North clearly understand that a great melody is worth more than a hundred unnecessary flourishes.

That focus on melody is one of the album's biggest strengths. These songs are incredibly accessible without ever feeling simplistic. There is a commercial quality running through Kindred North, but it feels natural rather than calculated. The choruses have that wonderful ability to lodge themselves into your head, while the arrangements give the songs enough substance to reward repeated listens.

The emotional side of the album is equally important. There is a genuine sense of feeling behind the performances, and that gives the material an immediacy that I really appreciate. Whether the mood is hopeful, romantic, reflective or bittersweet, the band commits fully to it. There is never any sense that the emotion is being manufactured simply because melodic rock is expected to have a big sentimental moment. Instead, it feels like the emotional content is at the very heart of what Kindred North are trying to achieve.

Andi Kravljaca’s vocals are another major part of the equation. They sit perfectly within the production, delivering the melodies with the right combination of power and sensitivity. This isn't an album that needs vocal theatrics for the sake of it. The performances work because they serve the emotional character of the songs, allowing the melodies to take centre stage while still giving everything enough authority.

What I particularly enjoy is the atmosphere. Kindred North isn't simply a collection of polished melodic rock songs; there is a real sonic identity here. The keyboards, guitars and rhythm section work together to create a sound that feels expansive and immersive. There are moments where the album seems to open up around you, drawing you into its world. That's where the modern aspect of the band's sound really works for me.

At the same time, there is plenty of familiarity for anyone who grew up loving melodic rock and AOR. The hooks, harmonies and emotional songwriting all come from a tradition that understands the importance of a memorable chorus and a song that makes you want to press play again. Kindred North take those foundations and give them a contemporary production and atmosphere.

The pacing of the album also works exceptionally well. There is enough variety between the more energetic material and the more reflective moments to keep the listener engaged, but everything belongs together. Nothing feels like a stylistic detour. Instead, the album develops a consistent mood and identity from beginning to end.

‘A Guiding Heart’ is a beautifully atmospheric way to open the album, immediately establishing Kindred North's modern melodic rock sound. The keyboards create a warm, expansive backdrop while the guitars add the necessary power. There's a strong emotional pull here, with a melody that feels both uplifting and heartfelt. A very promising introduction.

‘Natural High’, the energy levels rise with a wonderfully infectious melodic rocker. There's an immediate sense of positivity running through this one, with an excellent chorus and plenty of punch behind the arrangement. The keyboards once again add considerable depth, giving the song a polished but powerful feel.

‘If This Is Love’ is a more reflective number that leans heavily into the band's emotional side. The vocal delivery gives the melody real sincerity, while the arrangement gradually builds around it. There's a lovely balance between tenderness and rock power here, making this another highly memorable moment.

‘Learn To Love Again’ is an absolute monster of a song. This is where Kindred North really hit me right in the heart. The emotional weight is immense, but it's matched by a huge melodic presence and powerful performance. There is something genuinely moving about this song that goes far beyond simply being a great melodic rock number. This song will live with me for a long time. One of the album's undeniable highlights.

‘A Billion Miles Away’ is atmospheric, expansive and wonderfully melodic, this track has a real sense of distance and longing. The keyboards are particularly effective, surrounding the song with an almost cinematic quality. Another beautifully constructed piece of modern melodic rock with plenty of emotional depth.

‘Walk Through The Fire’, a more muscular rocker that brings some additional fire to the album. The guitars have real bite while the chorus retains the band's trademark melodic accessibility. It's powerful without becoming overly heavy and provides a welcome injection of energy.

‘Dance The Night Away’, time to let your hair down a little! This is a brighter, more upbeat number with an irresistible sense of fun. The melody is instantly accessible and the rhythm encourages you to turn up the volume. A feel-good moment that adds some welcome variety.

‘Runaway’ is another strong melodic rocker built around a catchy central melody and an engaging vocal performance. The arrangement has plenty of movement, with the keyboards and guitars working together particularly well. There's a real sense of momentum here.

‘Divine’ is beautifully atmospheric and emotionally charged, this is another example of Kindred North's ability to create songs that feel bigger than their individual parts. The keyboard textures are superb, while the vocal melody gives the song its emotional centre.

‘Lose Control’, a punchier, more energetic affair that brings plenty of attitude. The guitars are allowed to take a more prominent role, but the melody remains firmly at the forefront. It's slick, powerful and extremely easy to get caught up in.

‘It’s Hard To Say Goodbye’, a suitably emotional way to bring the album to its conclusion. Bittersweet and heartfelt, it leaves the listener with that lingering feeling that the best melodic rock songs can create. The arrangement gives the emotion plenty of room to breathe, making this a fitting finale to a superb album.

Ultimately, Kindred North is exactly the kind of album that reminds me why I love melodic rock. It's emotional, ultra melodic and powerful, but it also has atmosphere, sophistication and plenty of personality. The wonderful keyboard work is a particular highlight for me, adding another dimension to an already impressive collection of songs.

This is a fantastic album that ticks all the right boxes with me. It has the melodies, the emotion, the power, the atmosphere and the hooks. Most importantly, it has that elusive quality that makes you want to come back and hear it again. Kindred North have delivered a modern melodic rock album with genuine heart, and for anyone who likes their rock melodic, atmospheric and emotionally charged, Kindred North is very easy to recommend.

9/10

Essential Track – ‘Learn To Love Again’

Review by Woody