This is the Kit release new album ‘Off Off On’

English rock outfit This is the Kit return for their fifth studio album with the same wit and charm perfectly intact.

Off Off On’s title track is suitably representative of the album as a whole; a sweet, carefree piece that is more complex than it gives off. Never does it resort to anything particularly showy to demand your attention, rather its slow burn structure gracefully earns it. That carefree feeling it exhibits is a little deceptive as they are host to some heavy lyrical content. The song paints a picture of a close friend passing away and the grief process that follows. Presenting such emotionally resonant material through contrastingly up-beat sounds is ultimately what makes it so special. This, along with lead singer Kate Stables’ soaring voice, ensure the album feels like the work of a band running as a well-oiled machine. This is pushed along by the work of producer Josh Kaufman keeping the songs in a natural rhythm. Having recently worked with Taylor Swift on 2019’s Folklore, his penchant for folk pop is on full display here again. Stables describes this relationship between her and Kaufman as being ‘on the same page about a lot of musical ideas, as well as doing things I wouldn’t do musically.’

Album opener ‘Found Out’ highlights the band’s polished sound  – no pieces get in the way of another. Where one instrument ends, another seamlessly takes its place. Whilst the use of strings provide weight to the likes of ‘Started Again’, it is the otherwise understated instrumentals that provide the perfect backdrop. This allows moments of grandiosity and exuberance room to breathe and to really shine.

‘This is What You Did’ strikes as an odd choice for the album’s lead single, far from being the most immediately gratifying song on here. Bolstered by themes of personal torment and guilt, it is quite revealing. As such, it is a quite a bold choice of lead single and demonstrates an artist working on their own terms and taking risks. It is on this same track that layers upon layers of Stables’ voice are overdubbed, creating a glorious wall of sound. This is similar to the way in which her voice was employed alongside that of Matt Berninger’s on The National’s I Am Easy To Find. Her supporting vocals on that project work to similar effect here, providing a gentle sense of wonder.

The following singles ‘Coming to Get You Nowhere’ and ‘Was Magician’ are more akin to the punchy, ear-worms Stables have proven to be so good at writing. The former marks a shift in atmosphere, effectively keeping things fresh, while not at all being out of place with what came before it. ‘Was Magician’, on the other hand, is driven by a stripped-back instrumental that remarkably captures the feelings of a day in the life of its protagonist. Whether it be Stables’ mellow words on this song or its acoustic surroundings, something about it is very human. Partly because it feels so effortless, at times making profound statements – musically and lyrically – but doing so in such a nonchalant manner.

The most rewarding songs are ‘Slider’ and ‘Carry Us Please’. The absolutely beautiful guitars on each fittingly slide along to a gorgeous tune. Although Stables’ voice is clearly good enough to take the limelight in any instance, she simply fits in here behind the guitars. In this capacity, she plays her role perfectly as all of the song’s parts come in the natural flow of their construction. The outro of ‘Carry Us Please’ in particular is perhaps the best moment on the album. The repeated carry us please refrain almost sounds like a call for help. This is a very rich moment that that instantly marks itself as a memorable.

It is on such high points that it becomes clearer when moments do not quite bring this same energy. This is true of ‘No Such Thing’ and ‘Keep Going’. Although pleasant enough, they feel a bit inconsequential in the wider scheme of the album. They don’t quite do enough to mark their presence on an otherwise excellent release. Even still – on the weakest moments of the album – they would not go astray if slipped into the middle of a live set of theirs. A notably strong live act, every song on the album offers This is the Kit another opportunity to expand their already impressive touring catalogue.

The humanity and gentle touch of Off Off On is its greatest feature. ‘Shinbone Soap’ illustrates this most vividly in its simple but beautiful message about appreciation for “the ones you love”. This is the Kit have evidently put this album together with a passionate love for music – it’s hard not to feel the same way about Off Off On.

Off Off On was released on Rough Trade Records / Remote Control on Friday 23 October and is available now for streaming or purchase.

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