“Indie alternative rock meets psychedelia, with blues roots, funk grooves and a dash of folk-rock balladry.” That’s how much karma is described on their Bandcamp page, and I honestly don’t think I could’ve composed a synopsis more succinct than that if I’d tried. There’s too much to say about this band in a short snippet. This is truly a group that brings a sprinkle of everything to the table, and that’s how they’ve crafted a unique sound on this release. They’re influenced by so many different artists and genres — that helps to keep their sound fresh and exciting. Suffice it to say it’s an amalgamation of genres and styles.
Infinity Divinity, much karma’s latest album, opens with the bombastic “High Time.” This is a scorching intro to their peppy, punchy new release. It’s driven by warbling, effects-laden guitar — the flanger-heavy chords ring out over a catchy beat, anthemic rhythm guitar and roaring vocals. It’s a fun and engaging opener that felt just about prefect. It leads into “The Song” — don’t be fooled by this title. It might seem vague and non-committal, but the track itself is anything but that. This blues banger is dominated by a ferocious acoustic guitar riff that’ll get firmly lodged in your head. I guarantee it. I love the drums and soaring singing on this track. There’s a massive, arena-filling quality to the song. I hope these boys get the recognition they deserve.
“Parting Shot” is another bluesy banger with a marvelous groove that might make you dance. The slow, plodding beat, energetic acoustic guitar rhythm and forlorn vocals all combine to create a brooding blues belter. The chorus is unbelievably catchy on this track as well and I found myself singing along on second listen. I love the ascending chord progression too — it creates a sense of climbing towards a climax, and the song definitely does just that. There’s some meaty bass on offer in this track too — I definitely noticed and appreciated that. A cracking penultimate track in my opinion.
“Sweet Release” is the parting gift from these ultra-talented artists. It’s a gentle, joyous closer that fills you with jubilee. Swirling, effects-drenched rhythm guitar warbles atop a plodding beat, and there are more sweet, serenading vocals to, as the title promises, offer the sweetest release from an album that traverses so many musical terrains. Again, I really loved the bass guitar on this track — there was a prominence to it that really served the overall rhythm of the track. The echoing vocals really carried a power to them — they filled up the space of the track, certainly at the end.
Infinity Divinity is a journey, and much karma is a band that knows how to bring a journey to a satisfying close. I for one can’t recommend the release enough. The production, delivery and just about everything else gels and forms to make one impressive album from beginning to end. I wouldn’t be surprised if you hear a lot more from this group and become a household name.
Garth Thomas