Lacking Originality

Kinnecom’s Intermission is a confusing mix of glitchy vocals, Jamie T-style rapping, and the occasional smooth, repetitive, R&B-esque hook. The album contains eight tracks, one of which is a Linkin Park cover, and some originals that give the listener the impression that this group has only one setting. From “Her Way,” a PARTYNEXTDOOR cover, to “Helicopter (Feat. Spaceman Stuu),” Kinnecom attempts to fit in what they consider variety with Intermission, but do not succeed.

The album begins slowly with the smooth production of “Is That Too Much.” Vocals here are relaxed but occasionally glitch. Around the middle of the track, there’s a stuttering quality that’s actually rather interesting. Think Fyfe’s “For You,” but without the saxophone and none of the clever wordplay.

“Water,” Intermission’s second track, is probably the most interesting original of the entire album. Kinnecom incorporates piano, a beat that’s straight out of a slower Nikki Minaj track, and the same lazy vocals we heard in “Is That Too Much.” Here, the lyrics are more interesting, and the production value is a bit better. Rapping is introduced at the 2:00 mark, and while it’s a bit lackluster, it isn’t terrible.

The third track is where the album begins to become repetitive and a bit irritating. It’s as if this group has only three tricks: the strange rapping with two vocal tracks, one a couple octaves lower than the other; occasional glitchiness, and lazy beats. “Strike the Match” is not more inspired than the last two tracks, though there is a more ethereal quality to the intro.

The covers are really the only tracks on this album that are unique, which is a shame, considering the fact that they’re…covers. PARTYNEXTDOOR and Linkin Park give this group what it needs, apparently, to create something even remotely extraordinary.

The rest of the album is more of the same. Even the introduction of another artist, Spaceman Stuu, Kinnecom still does not give us much to work with. To be honest, Intermission could simply use some originality.