Kilravock – Incompatibility ][ Working Class Hero

“Incompatibility ][ Working Class Hero” is a debut release by Kilravock, an excellent solo project of Steve Smith, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer based in Omaha, Nebraska. These two tracks are the perfect showcase of his experience, knowledge, talent, and skills, proving he’s an exceptional songwriter and composer who knows how to tastefully blend several different but complementary music genres. Soundwise, he combines a singer-songwriter approach with some of the finest properties borrowed from alternative, art-rock, prog-rock, psych-rock, grunge, and post-punk, but don’t be surprised if you stumble on some other elements along the way. He uses all these additional sonic ingredients as more than necessary enhancements, accentuations, decorations, and other details to uplift these tracks to new heights while simultaneously remaining loyal to the primary sonic direction. During this process, he also demonstrates all his abilities as a very skillful and profoundly talented songwriter who knows how to assemble fresh, unique, versatile, and diverse music pieces. Therefore, “Incompatibility ][ Working Class Hero” will undoubtedly appeal to anyone looking for tastefully assembled and flawlessly performed music.

“Incompatibility” perfectly displays his dedication to the craft. It’s a fresh take on so many familiar styles, but, yet again, it sounds so fresh and unique. As soon as you press play, you’ll instantly notice the guitars reign supreme in this sonic equation. The comprehensive collection of expertly arranged, flawlessly performed chord progressions, riffs, harmonies, melodies, and other sonic maneuvers acts as a perfect backdrop for all the vocals to shine upon while defining the raw, abrasive, gritty ambiance. Kilravock thoroughly planned everything, so each riff strikes with such precision and finesse without overwhelming the remainder of the instrumentations. Still, the vocals are the unquestionable centerpiece in this sonic equation. You’ll hear how Steve Smith’s voice commands attention and guides the listening apparatus through each segment, emphasizing and elevating each instrumentation to new heights. His impressive vocal range seamlessly balances low, mid, and high notes while perfectly aligning with all the instruments. Of course, this composition wouldn’t be complete without an equally impressive rhythm section. You’ll notice how intricate, audible basslines rumble beneath all those guitar layers, offering more than necessary heaviness, clarity, and depth while binding everything together. The excellent drumming performance delivers groovy, punchy, dynamic beats, breaks, fills, and other percussive acrobatics that keep everything in line while dictating groove and pace. What makes this song even more ear-appealing are the arrangements. Kilravock put a lot of effort into each segment, so this composition arrives with a perfect structure, garnered with many brilliant ideas and impressive orchestrations. It’s such a perfect track that showcases all the creativity of an artist.

Kilravock has picked his version of John Lennon’s “Working Class Hero” as a second track, and it’s such a nice addition that showcases two creative sides of an incredible artist. His rendition includes features his The Alliterates bandmates Sean Soucy on guitar, David Dick on vocals, and additionally Anna Schmidt on co-vocals, further improving an already incredible composition. The chord progressions are nearly polished, clean, and soothing, but there’s a subtle rawness and abrasiveness that gives this version such a distinctive ambiance. With the additional vocals, it sounds even more anthemic, harmonious, melodic, and powerful, like a rallying cry for a desperate change in the current socio-political landscape. With his rendition of John Lennon’s “Working Class Hero,” Kilravock breaks all the rules and shapeshift boundaries of rock music, proving that even rock classics could sound even better if they’re covered with precision and finesse. Lyrically, this double single explores Steve’s frustration at growing up as a neurodivergent person in a Capitalist society. It examines and explores his anxiety with the current socio-political landscape in a distinctive way. “Incompatibility ][ Working Class Hero” is also a perfect introductory double single by this profoundly creative artist, a musician who simultaneously pushes the boundaries and showcases what you might expect of “Just Another Wonderful Day,” his upcoming release. His creativity, talent, knowledge, and experience are on full display here, so you should immediately place this marvelous release on your music radar. “Incompatibility ][ Working Class Hero” is available on all streaming platforms. Don’t miss it!