Detachment Kit
“Of This Blood”
(Frenchkiss Records)
Perhaps the greatest factor of existing on a prosperous independent label, and working and living within the top tier of independent rock music, is that artists control much of how their record will look in terms of art design, manufacturing, recording and of course the end product: the album itself.
Originally from Chicago, Ian Menard and Charlie Davis are the creative core of Detachment Kit. Their second release, “Of This Blood” is not only devoid of everything that would constitute labeling an album with the dreaded sophomore slump tag; but it has definitely pushed the frayed envelope of indie rock albums in regards to the listeners interaction with the music.
Amidst moments of thrashing guitars, “Skyscrapers,” hushed acoustic guitars and horns, “Night Of My Death,” and the full-on funkdified bass driven groove of “Pill Cake,” you find at the center of this album: a story. The CD sleeve folds out into a perplexing board game that relies on pennies, hitting random on the CD player, and whatever sort of chemicals or beverages you might have in mind in-between turns. The characters in “Of This Blood” are way too countless to name, plus I’m running out of space.
For art rockers who don’t like to play ‘ring of fire’ or ‘asshole’ anymore when they’re hanging out with their art-rocking friends, then “Of This Blood” is definitely up yo’ muthafucking independent alley.
