Kal Marks
Wasteland Baby
Exploding In Sound Records [2024]
Album Overview: Kal Marks is known for exploring raw and challenging themes through music. Over time, the band has developed a reputation in the noise-rock scene, producing a number of solid records marked by harsh, often abrasive sonic textures. The lineup includes vocalist-guitarist Carl Shane, bassist-vocalist John Russell, drummer Adam Berkowitz, and guitarist-vocalist Christina Puerto, who is also Shane’s partner.
Wasteland Baby now marks a significant turn in their releases, where personal introspection comes to the forefront. The record represents a deep inward examination driven by Shane’s anxieties about fatherhood. Kal Marks is in new conceptual territory that is built on the collaboration of all members to create a coherent and mature body of work. The result is a record that feels more controlled from beginning to end but burns with an extreme intensity. Gone are some of more sporadic noise rock elements that filled their earlier records but replaced by dark deep riffs that grab you instantly. There is also a feeling like Kal Marks is closing a chapter here. Regardless of what that means moving forward for the band, Wasteland Baby represents some of the best tracks the group has released to date!
Musical Style: While Kal Marks retains their noise-rock roots, Wasteland Baby incorporates a more rhythmic and dynamic sound. Gritty guitar work remains, but it’s paired with basslines and grooves that shift the band’s energy toward something that moves rather than just disrupts. They pull inspiration from a range of influences, from soul and funk to even artists like Silver Jews, Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan, but can still turn up the amps which has Wasteland Baby into a more shifting post-punk stylistic wave.
Evolution of Sound: This album signals a departure from the raw dissonance that defined their earlier work, with a more polished and layered approach to songwriting. The band worked closely together to challenge their established sound, exploring grooves, textures, and thoughtful composition. This change marks a new phase for Kal Marks, where introspective themes are tied closely to evolving musicianship.
Artists with Similar Fire: Kal Marks’ sound on Wasteland Baby draws comparisons to bands like the latest Pile and IDLES records, Protomartyr, and Spray Paint. Even though fans of The Jesus Lizard and Fugazi will still like this album due to their intense, noise-rock origins, the band also gives a huge nod to the more introspective and darker storytelling of a Nick Cave. These influences are blended with their own experimental flair, pushing beyond their earlier boundaries.
Pivotal Tracks: Key tracks like “Insects,” “Hard Work Will Get You No Where,” and “You Are Found” capture the core of the album’s thematic and overall tone. “Insects” sets the direction with a gripping introduction, while “Hard Work Will Get You No Where” drives home the protagonist’s struggles. “You Are Found” offers a more reflective and hopeful conclusion, signaling a shift in the album’s emotional arc.
Lyrical Strength: The lyrics on Wasteland Baby follow a cinematic progression, telling the story of a protagonist grappling with uncertainty and eventual acceptance. Shane’s writing feels grounded in his personal fears, creating a narrative that connects with universal concerns about survival and purpose in an unstable world. Through these moments, the band achieves an emotional depth that lingers.
KAL MARKS REVIEW HISTORY
Let The Shit House Burn Down (EP) (2019) / Universal Care (2018) / Life Is Alright, Everybody Dies (2016)
KAL MARKS LINKS
Instagram | Facebook | Bandcamp | Exploding In Sound Records
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