When I’m truly moved by something special and wonderful, whether it be a passage read, a scene viewed, or a song heard, I am often brought to tears. This is something built deep inside my heart that makes me feel rescued by the beauty that I have witnessed. The honesty and beauty behind the music of Kaiser Cartel has had this effect on me since first hearing their music over a year ago. Their newest release, Secret Transit is no different and helps to amplify their pure talent and brilliance. Courtney Kaiser and Benjamin Cartel have again documented a collection of thoughtfully honest songs, which stand as a gift for any ear that craves beautiful vocals, songwriting, and soul in every played note. Personally, Courtney and Benjamin have left an indelible mark in my musical life. They are a breath of fresh air, which reminds the spirit that real music still exists in the world today.
We begin with the beautiful “Riverboat Dream” which drifts in quietly and mysteriously. Courtney and Benjamin’s vocal float ghostly atop a moody but epic arrangement which depth pulls you in quickly. It may provoke a tear if you allow its spirit to touch your heart. After the heartstrings are thoughtfully plucked, they abruptly change gears with the foot-stomping “Carroll Street Station.” The exchange between the two vocalists is wonderful making the song infectious and destined for repeated listens. “Falling” has a darker tone, but like the previous track, keeps the energetic spirit up while maintaining the darkness in its essence. Slowing to an angelic waltz, Courtney gives a heavenly vocal performance in “Brave Enough” as her well-paced voice soars to the clouds while the soft music gives just enough air to guide and balance her gracefully.
“Worn Out Nervous Condition” brings us back to the nineties for a few minutes where we hear some power pop influences that are reminiscent of Liz Phair, Veruca Salt, and Juliana Hatfield. Again, here is an example of versatility and how a talented set of performers can pull off multiple styles and remain on track. The next track “Stella” is an incredibly touching, warm song that puts tears in my eyes each time I hear Courtney sing, “And you know, I’m gonna leave the light on just in case you come back late.” A song written from her simple observations of friend’s children takes you to that house of warmth and love as you listen. “Around You” takes a melancholy pop upswing with its infectious beat and chorus. The well-placed organ sounds float through making this a sixties spirited swinger.
“Minefield” features Benjamin Cartel in this dark western flavored tune. Another gear-switcher, it is nice to see the lead vocals can be flipped but quality remains. “Whenever You Go” and “Already Gone” are both quiet, beautifully written and performed songs that pull their overall sound back to spacious and epic. They find a new key to the heart with every note they create. “Ready To Go” is another hooky, memorable pop tune featuring the nice blend of both vocalists vocally and musically. It keeps you interested and sticks in your head immediately. The charmingly beautiful and sad “Memphis” again features the great sensitivity of Benjamin Cartel’s vocal and emotional backing of Kaiser setting the stage for the final track, “The Wait,” which is an instant classic in every sense of the word. A perfect punctuation for a statement of true artistry, the final song tugs on the heartstrings like no other as Courtney repeats the line, “It’s you that I need, so I’ll wait.” With the song's end drifting off into a lonely sea of reverberation, a solo Kaiser repeats desperately in the distance, “It all comes down to the wait. I’ll try to hold on one more day.”
Truly, my favorite release this year, Kaiser Cartel should be prepared for greatness in the eyes of the world. In my heart they have already arrived.
"Secret Transit" is on sale June 8, 2010 from Daniel Records.
