Kraven are a Limerick four-piece who specialise in adrenalin-fuelled rock ‘n roll. Having served their stint playing covers to pub audiences, the band decided it was time to pour their efforts into original songwriting in 2002. They set about recording a series of EPs in their home studio before commencing work on what was to become This Kind Of Lonely in the latter half of 2003 in a conscious effort to better capture their well-seasoned live sound.
That’s a pretty tall order for any self-produced, self-engineered, unsigned band to fill. However, despite the odds, Kraven successfully rose to the challenge. Armed with a superb collection of expertly crafted numbers – see the riff-heavy epic ‘Goin’ Round The Bend’, the Muse-ish ‘Confusion No.4’, the searing ‘This Kind Of Lonely’, the gloriously disjointed ‘Skin’ or the piano-laden lament ‘See Through to Me’ – the band’s grade A musicianship and impressive songwriting skills ensure that This Kind Of Lonely is not easily dismissed.
My only complaint is that the record is in dire need of some designer production – an external ear to take the songs and give them a more unique, edgier feel – if the band are to make an impact on a wider level. They’ve got the songs and the skills in abundance, now all they need is a good polish.