One for blowing away the cobwebs in your head, To a Better Dark is the varied new album from Kevin Koplar.

By Graeme Smith

There’s something familiar yet unique about Kevin’s vocal deliver. It’s reminiscent of Robert Plant’s infamous howl for Led Zeppelin, and some of the tracks on his new album have a similar blues rock swagger about it. Yet, it’s all passed through a filter of pop sheen, and Kevin’s mastery of lyrics proves utterly compelling.

Album opener If You Knock Hard Enough is a case in point, giving us a bold, brassy welcome full of poetry. It’s a strong start. Broken Breeze provides some instant contrast through a stripped-back and intimate number. Its big finish blends nicely into the anthemic Blood Sugar, an early highlight.

Other highlights include the textured and swaying Give This Song To Daniel, the raucous, singalong The Givers, the punchy duo, Emiley, and slow burning and memorable album closer, Laugh Alone

Kevin Koplar’s new album manages that rarest of things of feeling both classic and fresh. He’s taken a timeless sound and somehow updated it. It’s quite astonishing, and makes for an exciting listen.

To a Better Dark is out now and you can check it out below.