Although introduced as a “kick ass rock trio”, it’s only the instrumental arrangements and sonic make-up of Kukangendai’s album “Palm” that aligns with that description. The composition and performance is something very different, an introspective and experimental affair that’s certainly prog rock at times but which also travels further into jazz rhythms and avantgarde noodling, as well as exhibiting more modern influences.

The repetitive pulsing of “Mure” brings to mind minimal slow techno being generated by a rock band, while “Menomae” sounds like a dissected glam rock that’s been stripped to the bones and then skeletally reassembled to resemble a different beast. Final track “Chigaukoto wo Kangaeyo” shows the mellower side and borders on charming.

At 35 minutes and 6 tracks, it’s a compact and very focussed short album that doesn’t try to pack in too many ideas or any real stretch of variety, sticking to a relatively minimal set of pulses and rhythm explorations that’s very listenable and generally unchallenging. Intriguing and atmospheric work, but certainly not “kick ass”, and not about to rock your world.