ALBUM REVIEW: Alive – Klone

The aim of a live album is to capture everything that is great about a band’s performance. In the modern age of studio recording, when bands can record to click tracks and will often play their instruments separately, live performance shows truly what bands can do. In the case of a band like KLONE, the aim with their album Alive is to showcase the versatility and musicianship of the band. Alive is the result of several hard years of recording and touring, combining performances from 2016 in the Netherlands, and 2019 in France, and is a musical thank you to all of their fans who have supported them over the years.

Whether you are new to KLONE or a diehard fan, one cannot not be impressed by the production on Alive. The band sound huge, with a huge range of dynamics and moods. When they decide to pull out the riffs in older tunes such as Rocket Smoke, the result slams out of the speakers, and for sure would entice a first time listener into purchasing a ticket to see them. As a contrast, when KLONE want to flex their dynamic control they really can. Opening number Yonder from their latest album Le Grand Voyage builds and broods, whilst The Drifter floats forth from the speakers on a desert like mirage.

The guitar work shines throughout the performance, with both guitarists never resting on their laurels, always providing an interesting texture to the music. Speaking of which, when the saxophone shimmers in on The Dreamer’s Hideaway, it’s a real audible treat. Lead vocalist Yann Ligner brings his soaring vocal range to the mix as well, alternating in one breath between barrel chested lyricism and screams that would make your average death metal vocalist blush with embarrassment. The production job on Alive should also be noted, with the band’s sound engineer Chris Edrich doing a superb job of capturing the vastness of KLONE live.

All these contrasts work well together to paint a varied and colourful portrait of KLONE. For well established fans, this is a must listen, but it would also be prudent for those unfamiliar with KLONE to give Alive a listen as well. As the record focuses on their best material and the monumental sound, there is a lot to gain here by listening. When live music returns, KLONE will certainly have another attendee at their shows!

Rating: 8/10

Alive is set for release on June 11th via Kscope.

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