Having played in various projects for the past 700 years, guitarist & singer Dennis West and John Syzygy (keyboards) reconvened in San Jose to write new material in 2013.
Not long after that they met Jason Miller, whose love of jazz, harmony, and massive rock brought a new dimension to the band. These nascent embers of Kindly Swears first started lighting fires for audiences in 2015. A few drummers later, Jason asked Shannon Brown to sit on the throne for a few gigs, an initially temporary solution which happily became permanent shortly thereafter.
Variously described as “Sonic Youth meets Guided By Voices on a merry-go-round” and “a half-finished love letter from Mark E. Smith to LCD Soundsystem, scrawled on a hole-in-the-wall bar coaster and casually left to be found”, the band’s sound is surprisingly resistant to facile labeling. The combination of Dennis’ sardonic lyrics and idiosyncratic approach to the guitar; John’s classical training and love for everything Dr Fink; Jason’s melodic approach to the bass and natural bent towards heavy riffs; and Shannon’s jazz-inflected approach to rock drums add up to a compelling and satisfying listen.
Due to the economic ravages of the pandemic, John had to take a hiatus to care for his business and family, so accordingly their latest work features less keyboard wizardry than their earlier work but their sound is no less unique: With a heavier sound and more mayhem than Dr. Teeth, their upcoming release continues to present their unique perspective on the world.
They only ask that you give it a listen and form your own opinion. They also wish you well.
Even you bastards.
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