KMSuccessCoverTHUMB

KEN Mode - "Dead Actors"

KMSuccessCover

As I also wrote over at BrooklynVegan, If you’ve heard any of the singles from KEN mode‘s upcoming Steve Albini-recorded album, Success, you’ve probably noticed they’re going in a different direction for this one—more directly inspired by AmRep-y post-hardcore and less metal than ever before. Its newest single, the six-and-half minute “Dead Actors,” is no exception. While it may not be as traditionally “heavy” as KEN mode’s earlier stuff, it can still be just as overwhelming, building from a soft but brooding introduction to a massive wall of layered guitars and huge snare cracks. It’s always been my opinion that no one gets a snare drum sound in rock like Steve Albini, and that’s especially true here. Those hits in the ending are straight off In Utero, Rid of Me, or any of the several Albini/Neurosis collaborations that exist. Check it out for yourself—the new song is streaming below.

KEN mode are also touring with Fight Amp (who also have a new album coming). Dates are listed under the song below.

—Andrew Sacher

Success is out June 16 via Season of Mist (pre-order).

Success Tracklist:
1. Blessed
2. These Tight Jeans
3. The Owl
4. I Just Liked Fire
5. Management Control
6. A Passive Disaster
7. Failing At Fun Since 1981
8. A Catalog Of Small Disappointments
9. Dead Actors

KEN mode — 2015 Tour Dates
June 1, 2015 – London, UK @ MacBeth
June 16, 2015 – Toronto, ON @ The Shop (Parts & Labour) w/The Great Sabatini*
June 17, 2015 – Montreal, QC @ Turbo Haus w/The Great Sabatini, Fashion Police*
June 18, 2015 – Brooklyn, NY @ St. Vitus w/Pyrrhon, Couch Slut*
June 19, 2015 – Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie*
June 20, 2015 – Columbus, OH @ Ace of Cups w/Lo-Pan*
June 21, 2015 – Chicago, IL @ The Burlington w/The Swan King*
June 25, 2015 – Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club w/Zebulon Pike, Buildings
June 26, 2015 – Winnipeg, MB @ The Goodwill w/Pop Crimes, Teethmarks
August 1, 2015 – Drumheller, AB @ Loud As Hell Festival
August 28, 2015 – Gigors-Et-Lozeron, Rhone-Alpes, France

* – w/ Fight Amp

This article is cross-posted at Brooklyn Vegan.
This article has been edited to reflect updated tour dates.