New Jersey based six-piece band Kindred Souls impresses on their EP release, Social Ninja. The four-track EP is a solid mix of emotionally filled rock songs and slower ballads accompanied by standout keyboard and percussion interludes. While lead vocalist and songwriter Jeff Rafferty and keyboardist Lon Bacharah have been music partners for the past 18 years, it is evident that the longevity of this friendship and musical collaboration only helps Kindred Souls throughout their solid release.
“Whatchagonnado” (love the title) starts the EP off with a soft piano introduction before electric guitar and percussion enters. The solid guitar interludes blend nicely with Rafferty’s moving vocals. His singing crescendos just as the musical accompaniment increases, altogether providing an impeccable blend between vocalist and music throughout the song.
Second track, “Losing You” is the strongest song on the release. Right off the bat, the song begins with impeccably tight musical accompaniment that draws the listener in. Definitely an emotionally filled rock song, the music leads up to fitting vocals and lyrics while repeated chorus “I’m afraid of losing you” gets the sentiment of the song across.
Slower ballad, “A While” provides a change from the previous two tracks on the album. With light guitar picking, Rafferty sings softly right from the song’s start. Singing, “Would you stay a while if I told you I need you/Would you stay the night if I miss your touch/Would you stay a while if I told you I love you/Would you stay a while if I show you how much,” Kindred Souls get their point across.
The album aptly ends with spirited track, “High Wire.” With piano and percussion introduction blended with layered choral and backup vocals in addition to Rafferty’s vocals, the EP concludes on a high note. Singing, “We shine, shine like the sun,” “High Wire” is an uplifting track that shows much promise for Kindred Souls. With their high energy up until the fade out of the song, the band continues their mark in the music scene. Evidently, Bachrach has said, “Our life experiences were reflected in a lot of the material.” As this can clearly be seen, one can only wonder what the next few years will hold for the band.
Reviewed By Annie Reuter
