KARKOSA -ARTIST SPOTLIGHT & SINGLE REVIEW

 

AMP first got wind of the U. K. band Karkosa in 2018 when we featured them in our Social Media section. We gave their single “Lonely Kid” a short mention.

Well, the band hailing from Birmingham is back with a pair of sensational new singles. Karkosa is comprised of Michael Warnock (Vocals/Rhythm Guitar), Jack Warnock (Drums), Isabelle Florence (Bass), Tom Rushton (Lead Guitar), Will Clews (Keyboard) and Peter Donnelly (Trumpet). The band formed in 2014 and are heavily inspired by such bands as Catfish and the Bottlemen and Royal Blood.

In 2018 Karkosa were nominated for “Best Indie Band” and “One to Watch 2018” at the Birmingham Music Awards. They also garnished a huge following in South Korea leading to sold out headlining shows.

The two previously mentioned singles were released earlier this year. In February Karkosa released “The Rival” to worldwide praise. The single opens a lone strumming guitar and Michael plaintively singing:

You always treat me like a rival

Before I was a loser

Still you treat me like a rival

I’m nothing but a loser

Then the entire band kicks in and the music takes a dynamic upbeat swing. The guitars are full of life and Michael’s vocal is lively and rocking.  Donnelly’s trumpet adds a nice touch and Jack’s drumming is forceful. Here the lyrics become a little more clearer. The song is about a struggling relationship where the partners don’t seem to communicate. All they seem to be are rivals.

After a short instrumental something really interesting happens. The song switches tempo and morphs. It drifts into something new with a synth infused psychedelic blues rhythm. Michael’s vocal slows down and Smith’s bass line becomes predominate. The song ends with a flourish with everyone involved. We can definitively see the growth in Karkosa‘s songwriting. They are willing to take chances to broaden the limits of alternative music.

Their next single, “Runaway” was released last month. It’s a impressive pop influenced ditty filled with catchy riffs and a memorable chorus. It’s very reminiscent of Grouplove. The switching of vocals between verses by Michael and Isabelle is delightful and well done. Isabelle’s sultry voice is quite impressive. In a recent interview Michael states how the song was heavily influenced by the band Wallows of which he’s a big fan. “Runaway” is a perfect summer anthem. I can see car windows open wide and the chorus blaring from the radio.

We recently asked the band a few questions about their songs and life in general.

AMP: Your single “The Rival” seems to have two layers. The song and kind of an epilogue that flows afterwards. What was the inspiration for the tune?

Karkosa: The idea behind the song’s duality was to replicate our perception of an argument. The first part of the song is face paced. It’s similar to the back and forth you would have with your “rival”. The song then slows down as one reflects that even though fall outs do happen, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s all over. One should always find a way to get up and continue on. We wanted the song to reflect that change.

AMP: Your songs are basically positive in nature. Is that the way the band perceives the world?

Karkosa: We always like to keep a positive mental attitude. People need hope and a belief in themselves and we like to express that through our music. Some of our music can be melancholy and sad but you shouldn’t let those feelings keep you down. We believe that our songs give people a sense of optimism and promise.

AMP: In this crazy world of Covid how does the band move forward?

Karkosa: As of right now, we are currently working on some new music. Once we are out of this lock down, we can begin rehearsing and get ready to perform live shows.

We do recommend that you give both “The Rival” and “Runaway” a listen. Karkosa is a magnetic up and coming group with a ton of potential.

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