Kezdown - Escape Lane (2018)

Background/Info: Kezdown is a new Belgian formation featuring Didier Czepczyk (known from his involvement with The Breath Of Life), Mathieu Rousselet and Gaston Hollands.

Content: Kezdown is clearly inspired by the dark sonic hours from the 80s. I can’t compare them with bands from that decade, but you immediately will notice their dark approach in the way they play the guitar, the atmosphere hanging over the songs and the Czepczyk grave timbre of voice. The songs have been accomplished with electronic arrangements.

+ + + : If you like the dark and depressed 80s productions, Kezdown is definitely a band that might interest you. They bring the 80s spirit alive with some grace. It also is an element you’ll find back in the pictures from the artwork revealing desolate industrial landscapes. Sound-wise there’s a noticeable progression in the tracklist. The last part reveals the best cuts and I especially want to tip “The Sweetest Answer” and “Murder In Shirt”.

– – – : I’m definitely convinced this band can do much better than what they’ve shown on this album. The global sound production might be somewhat naughtier. I like the dark touch hanging over the work, but it sounds a bit sweet and I’m therefore missing a real highlight.

Conclusion: “Escape Lane” is an easy listening and entertaining dark release bringing the 80s back alive although it’s not immediately what I would call a groundbreaking opus. This is an interesting debut, but I’m sure the best is yet to come for Kezdown.