written by chris fallon @ absolutepunk.net
Whatever is in the water in Arizona, it's probably recommended that all aspiring bands move down there and drink up, because it sure seems like the bands who come from the Grand Canyon State wind up being pretty well-liked.
Thanks to such bands as Jimmy Eat World and The Format (most notably), Arizona is becoming one of the top music scenes in the country. And for Mesa's The Morning Kennedy Was Shot, it should be no different.
Barely over a year old, this indie rock foursome writes dreamy ambient indie music that has rough-sounding gang vocals and lots of organ playing/keyboard loops, backed by jazz-like drumming and hollowed-sounding guitar.
The five tracks that make up the debut self-released EP, Pictures of Things Worth Looking At, are unique and soundtracks for a dream in a deep night's sleep. Slightly dancable, definitely intoxicating and imaginative, the 16-minute disc is just the first step into what will surely be a journey into transcendence. "The Desert" is a psychedelic roller-coaster trip, taking time to get into its trippy atmosphere. "Floating Down The River" is a relaxing soul-searching kind of song that actually would be better listened (and in turn, felt) while actually doing what the title implies.
Much like the artwork that accompanies the album, it's not going to be everybody's cup of tea, but for those who like artfully-minded indie rock that is not heavily produced or polished, this is a band looking to make minds move rather than moshpits. The Morning Kennedy Was Shot is a small group of guys that are worth hearing.
And as for whatever is in the Arizona water supply, go find out for yourself. You may just find yourself creating something that moves somebody.
Purchase The Morning Kennedy Was Shot's latest: Pictures of Things Worth Looking At
