Staffordshire, British rockers KIRA MAC take their name from their statuesque and beautiful frontwoman and lead singer, Kira Mac a.k.a. Rhiannon Hill, which husky, soulful voice dominates their debut album “Chaos Is Calling“. This is a tasty piece of classic rock which just below the riff-heavy surface is a rich vein of southern rock and blues, with more than enough modern twists and turns worth tapping into across its ten tracks.
Kira’s voice has elements of the Seventies and even a little Cher in there. Quite frankly that is one hell of an amazing voice. Surrounded by a set of musicians that clearly are comfortable with each other, I’m hearing flavours of Kris Barras and Jon Bonamassa throughout but with added grit. The product that they have collectively created is sublime.
Opener ‘One Way Ticket’ sets its considerable stall out immediately. In releasing as outspoken a statement as anything else on this feverishly attention-seeking opus, former British Institute of Modern Music student Kira matches each sizable riff with some truly intoxicating blues-tinged vocals.
The likes of the bruising ‘Hit Me Again’ and uber-heavy title track ‘Chaos Is Calling’, on which a metallic riff spars with some equally ferocious gang vocals, maintain a bar already set high.
On ‘Back For More’ Kira adds some grit and western panache to a song that although a tad predictable benefits from some classy Rolling Stones Sympathy For The Devil’ backing vocals. From a similar mould, but altogether more compelling, is album highlight ‘Mississippi Swinging’. It’s a bluesy stomp, complete with a masterclass performance from Kira.
Should further evidence be needed, look no further than the closing ear candy pairing of ‘Never Going To Stay’ and outstanding ‘Dead Man Walking’ for examples of how to record a lead vocal that will be lauded for years to come.
For a band releasing their debut, ”Chaos Is Calling”, by contrast, gives the impression that the quintet is some considerable way down the road to success. The chemistry that exists between Kira and writing partner Joe Worrall (guitar), alongside Alex Novakovic (guitar), Bret Barnes (bass), and Cal Casey (drums) is clear for all to see.
It’s an album overflowing with flair, double shots of rock ‘n’ roll swagger and enough self-belief to leave a sizeable and long-lasting impression on a scene that will welcome them with open arms.
01 - One Way Ticket
02 - Hit Me Again
03 - Chaos Is Calling
04 - Back For More
05 - Imagine What We Could've Been
06 - Mississippi Swingin'
07 - Hellfire & Holy Water
08 - Downfall
09 - Never Going to Stay
10 - Dead Man Walking
Kira Mac – Chaos Is Calling – 2022
 |
