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Kite Pilot: Self-Titled EP
[self-released]

For at least three years, the Saddle Creek label has had its ear to the ground so to speak. It seems that the label spawned by Nebraskas veritable child prodigy, Connor Oberst, has made its sole mission one that not only captures, but also defines and shapes the Omaha sound. Acts like The Faint, Azure Ray, and Obersts own Bright Eyes, rocketed out of Omaha making themselves and Saddle Creek instant indie darlings. These bands exhibit everything from new wave goth dance electronica to folk pop to dark Americana-ish ramblings all accented by a powerful dose of quirky sincerity.

After hearing Kite Pilots eponymous EP, I am much reminded of what makes Saddle Creek such a remarkable label. This Omaha-based four-piece resides somewhere in between lo-fi and lush indie pop, but always in a state of amiable sincerity. The opener, Tree Caught the Kite, starts the EP in the indie rock vein with a trumpet twist. The pop feel almost mimics Belle and Sebastian as the call and response backing vocals show off the talents of Erica Petersen and the raspily delightful Austin Britton. Next, Belong carries the listener to a super-swanky Sergio Mendez and Brazil 66 vibe so catchy that I may be able to forgive the frightfully embarrassing lyrics about tantric robots. The rest of the EP continues to showcase the groups musical abilities by exhibiting the amount of room given to the music itself. None of the songs are overwhelmed by lyrics; they are open without being sparse and allow for the development of ambient and echoey guitar work. All five tracks are meaty and complex (all well over three minutes and they never seem to drag) and have the tendency to unfold before you without becoming to jam band-y.

All and all, this is an excellent debut EP, but it leaves me with one question: why havent these Omaha gems been nabbed by Saddle Creek?

This album can be purchased at the Kite Pilot Official Website

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