Anybody who enjoys earthy-sounding, good old folk music is sure to enjoy this new band from Kent. Although influenced by international folk artists such as The Fleet Foxes, Cocos Lovers have indeed won over their own audiences both nationally and across European borders; they've played their own international gigs; have been hailed “one of Kent's most promising new bands”; have been  the subject of numerous rave reviews – and all this after releasing only two EPs and one album and having only been around since 2008.
Perhaps the harmony that comes from their music is a reflection of the harmonious relationship within this eight piece band. Made up of husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, the sound produced by Cocos Lovers is indeed a family effort!

Each song tells its own story yet each one is linked by a common theme – the way in which the story is told – through softly strummed melodious guitars, harmonious and at times choir-like lyrics, flutes and soft percussion. Changeable beats & melodies throughout which are particularly noticeable in track number three, “Silence of a Moonlit Sky” whose musical arrangement includes violins and a flute. The harmonious and haunting lyrics truly stand out from the ever changing beat, both complimenting each other.

Perhaps the international flavour of Cocos Lovers' music stems from the actuality that is this international album - practically each song was written in, and therefore inspired by, a different European country. And perhaps the life affirming lyrics come from the hearts and minds of people who have truly experienced life - having taken the giant leap into their musical career only to busk their way around Europe - Cocos Lovers seemingly have a lot of experiences to write about!

Whether on tour or on holiday, this musical family never leaves their music behind, taking the time to pen each experience and come up with new tracks.

Cocos Lovers will be performing their latest material throughout 2010 at various locations in the UK, so find them on the web and prepare to be lured in to their world of folk.

This Bath five-piece has received rave reviews in The Clash (where ‘Burst It’s Banks’ was single of the month), The List and even BBC Newsbeat, and now they’re getting one here.  On first receiving the album through the post, I was somewhat deceived by their youth and relative fresh-faced countenance.  Within seconds of opening track ‘Heaven Never Seemed So Close’ kicking in, I was sold.

The album begins with a dirty, bluesy stomp that made me think of the ‘white boy blues’ explosion of the mid to late 60s.  ‘Heaven Never Seemed So Close’ was raucous enough to put me in mind of the two Rod Stewart/Jeff Beck albums with its raunchy blues playing and raw vocals. Vocalist Chris Turpin may look like butter wouldn’t melt, but he nearly landed the band with a dry cleaning bill when I almost dropped my coffee in surprise at the power of his voice in opening seconds of the album.  Like so much about this band and what they do, you really have to struggle to remind yourself that Kill It Kid hail from Bath and not the Bayou.

It isn’t all Turpin’s show though.  Steph Ward is a subtle, affecting vocalist whose contribution is to provide the velvet glove to Turpin’s iron fist delivery.  When she takes centre stage on tracks like ‘Private Idaho’ and ‘Fool For Loving You’, the mood changes and the album exudes a different kind of power.  Steph’s style is, to me, Laura Cantrell with a dash of Julie Driscoll thrown in.  Together, she and Chris cook up a storm, notably on the playful country honk of ‘My Lips Won’t Be Kept Clean’.

So there you have it: this album is 100% ‘carpet-burn-to-the-chin-from-your-jaw-dropping’ brilliance.  This album is a million miles away from the current musical ‘plat du jour’, yet possesses the sort of magnetism and energy that would make even the most die-hard 80s acolyte cock an ear.  This is down to virtuoso musicianship from a band that knows their influences and has mastery over their staple ingredients to create something fresh and ambitious whilst ticking every box of the genres they stand astride.  Just forget whatever else it was you were planning to buy or see this weekend, Kill It Kid are here and you cannot resist them.