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St. Petersburg, FL 5/22/98 |
| "K's Choice," a Belgian sensation, attacks the U.S. with incredible
force with "Cocoon Crash." Their third album with 550 Music has
gone gold in Belgium and Holland, and reached #1 on the album chart in Belgium,
ousting "Titanic" and "Ray of Light" by Madonna. "K's
Choice" is riding the waves of their music's incredible momentum, as
they embark upon upon a U.S. tour that ended this June. Lead singer Sara Bettens, songwriter/guitarist/vocalist Gert Bettens, guitarist Jan VanSichem, Jr., bassist Eric Grossman, and drummer Bart Van Der Zeeuw, display a formidable mix of melodic rhythms with explosive rock fury, produced by Gil Norton. Norton is no rookie to the business, having worked with Foo Fighters, Counting Crows, and The Pixies. "KC's" endeavors in the music world include the first single and music video of "Everything Is Free," which hit MTV in June, along with their intense tour across the U.S. which I had the pleasure of attending. Ms. Bettens applied herself with an immeasurable intensity, combining the folk flavor of Jewel with the brashness of No Doubt. However, "K's Choice" has found, and implemented, their own style, as they propel themselves from the light melodic beats, and display the ability to change pace and intensity to the heavy pumped guitar play of Gert Bettens as witnessed in "Believe." |
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| All of the songs are written by Sarah and Gert Bettens, and they seem
to have finally begun to experience the rewards of their work ethic. The
most important factor I observed from the concert, was the incredible passion
and emotion that Sarah possesses, and absolutely oozes into her soft melodies.
It electrifies and propels a song into a climactic environment of banging
heads and bouncing bodies. She seems to mesmorize you with her smooth melodic
voice, and then reaches out and slaps you in the face as the band kicks
into rock fury. Gert is a splendid backup, and blends well with Sarah's tone, to varnish the vocals and bring out the true colors of the band's infectious sound. the comraderie of the band nmembers gave me goose bumps. "Believe," "Now Is Mine," "Too mnay Happy Faces," "20,000 Seconds," "Cocoon Crash" and "Hide" are filled with soul-searching lyrics depicting today's issues of self esteem, priorities, and stress management - some are deep, some are dark, some are deep and dark. Even though the State Theater's acoustics are horrible I was able to hear "K's Choice" loud and clear. The guitar play of Gert and Jan was excellent, as timing is such an important ingredient of the band's music. Bart manages the pace with the characteristics of a classical percussionist, and a gladiator in the arena, with timing literally taking "K's Choice" from the garage to the big stage. |
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| "K's Choice" was a definite choice of live over stereo. To
be able to see the voice come to life and feel the barrage of passion and
intensity of songs like "Hide," "Believe" and "Cocoon
Crash," was an experience that gave me an insight into the future of
musical talent. On ballads such as "Quiet Little Place," "God
In My Bed" and "Winners" lyrics are quintessential. On the
shoulders of "Paradise In Me," the ability of K's Choice to have
staying power will be challenged in a complex U.S. market. Their style and
sound is fresh and invigorating compared to the drowning ghetto rap, the
use of sampling, the never-ending love stories of country, and lastly, the
invasion of screaming grunge bands. The album is a definite listen - a compliment to musical intelligence and passion. "K's Choice" has proven themselves on European turf, and will plant seeds in American soil, as the headliner band on the Lilith Fair Tour, sharing time with the "Indigo Girls." "K's Choice" brings life to you with a different point of view, involving self awareness, individuality, friendship, and relationships. a view from a mental institution, talking with God and the Devil. This band will be around for a while. Sarah is an incredible talent, ending the concert with a solo on the guitar of "Winners." An encore to their outstanding performance and a demanding crowd. Again, resounding and full of potential; K's Choice! |
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Artist: K's Choice Artist: K's CHOICE Title: "Cocoon Crash" Label: 550 Music Reviewed By: Jim Jehs Rating:  |
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