Kram - Mixtape (2009)

By Ben Vernel

The problem with Kram's debut solo album "Mixtape" can be found within a quote from the man himself (or possibly his PR agent):

"I wanted it to be like a radio station where all the songs sound like different bands even though it is all played by one person".

The thing is, all the songs do sound like they were made by different artists, but they also all sound like songs that already exist by well established artists.

There is Jet, Queens Of The Stone Age, Bernard Fanning, Zero 7, Elliot Smith and more.

There is no cohesion, so it is hard to tell what exactly on "Mixtape" is Kram and what is just a rip off of a better band or artist.

This may stem from the fact that Kram made a conscious decision to make an album of songs from different genres, rather than just setting out to make a good album and seeing where it went. 

It is like he went, "Ok - so we need a fast rock song, a slow contemplative song, a couple of acoustic songs, a drum solo, a piano driven pop song and a few generic Spiderbait songs", and filled in the gaps by listening to artists from each genre and replicating what he heard.

The thing is, that is something of a compliment. 

Each song and each genre he tackles is done well. 

The lyrics in some of the more upbeat rock songs are extremely weak, but overall the album is filled with songs that are by no means shameful. 

Kram has talent as a songwriter and a musician, but as a concept, "Mixtape" just doesn't work at all.

She's My Girl is vintage Queens Of The Stone Age, Long Cold Night is classic Elliot Smith with a bit of Nick Drake thrown in for good measure - and Silk Suits is Jet during their "second album" period. 

The lack of cohesiveness is what brings "Mixtape" down, and yes, I know that it is essentially the point. 

That doesn't mean it is a good point...

Turn A Light On is a genuinely good song. So is Ridin' High. So is Long Cold Night.

But they also sound extremely familiar. 

If Kram had stuck to one genre, he might have developed some more original content. 

It is a tough album to review, because every song barring one or two (Harmonies is exactly what it sounds like – a song made up of harmonies, and Thankyou Mr Ludwig is a three minute drum solo) is good.

Unfortunately the album as a whole - and as a concept - isn't good at all.

RATING: 2 out of 5

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