Kites Overhead - You are a secret and must never tell it

Gene Kondusky is perhaps one of the oddest forms of musician. He is one with a fallback plan. And while so many others operate without a net, giving it everything they have to their craft, Gene is currently working on his phD. With little time to actually tour his new album “You are a secret and must never tell it” he is making sure all his eggs are not in the same basket.

This is unfortunate as touring would allow the exposure that a developing artist like Gene needs to gain a fan base. It would also allow him to road test his material which could let him self-produce his work more efficiently, or collaborate with other musicians. It is this sense of going solo that is both a hindrance and success for Kites Overhead.

There are many beautiful and surprising elements on the album; the intricate layers and details that are edited precisely, painstakingly crafted soundscapes and guest vocals which allow for changes in atmosphere that Kondusky creates so well. Catchy songs like “Everything I think about” or “The Poet” have hooky vibes positive energy, albeit with a singular sounding vision.

There is so much potential on this album but it could use some refining; Gene’s own vocals seem to be lacking in a confidence that only comes out when your words are heard by someone other than yourself before put on record. The dense approach to instrumentation can often show us a great idea but leave the listener wishing that Kites Overhead were more of a band collaboration. And it is not that the music is not technically proficient, but you are left wondering how “Hearts and Minds” would have sounded if jammed out by a group.

If Kites Overhead was a fulltime project, or Gene had the opportunity to tour, develop his music in front of an audience, there is no question that he could be very successful.

Only time will tell which path Gene will follow and which career will become his fallback plan. Look forward to seeing him develop as an artist, and perhaps after we are able to start referring to him as Doctor, he can deliver on the hopes that “You are a Secret” promises. 

Check it out online: http://kitesoverhead.com/

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/kitesoverhead

Buy the album: http://music.homeisnothere.com/