This is a different sort of article today, as it features not one but two EPs from a group that recently came across our feed. Kouskous Heaven sent us their debut EP, Sunday Witches/Lonely Mars Rover, which came out last May. However, they just released a brand new EP, Thinker Bell/Akoustic, this past November. In order to do our due diligence in providing top-quality journalism regarding music from up-and-coming artists, we will feature both EPs for your enjoyment.
Kouskous Heaven (fantastic band name, by the way) is a five-piece groovy math rock band from New Brunswick, New Jersey (the home of Rutgers University, not to be confused with the Canadian province). Made up of Izzy Nuñez on vocals, Josh Skoudis and Ryan Puharic on guitars, Bryan McNaughton on bass, and Logan Bogdan on drums, they toy with the standard indie formula and implement detuned instruments and moody vocal harmonies to inject their music with a dream-like vibe.
If you listen to the band’s debut EP first, you will see they have a fine experimental base from which they have continued to evolve. “Sunday Witches” explodes with flanging and shimmering guitars, with Izzy’s voice chanting above it all and the rest of the band harmonizing behind her like the remainder of the coven. “Lonely Mars Rover” introduces some fine lead guitar work, along with a stinging square synth sound and tempo changes that capture the mood of the track. Both songs still stem from indie pop roots, but this debut EP captures the sound of a band already finding itself, working with new ideas and letting them flow with grace through their instruments and voices.
Since last May, Kouskous Heaven has started to incorporate other sounds into their music, experimenting with their already experimental sound. You can witness such musical explorations on their new EP. “Thinker Bell” blends math rock and post-hardcore into a five-minute symphony. “Akoustic” captures another end of the band’s musical spectrum, featuring a much softer indie-folk sound rife with acoustic guitars, keys, and ethereal pads. But the time signatures still shift and chord changes happen fast and loose, and with Izzy’s melodic performance on top of them, the song gives off a wandering, entrancing feeling. The two songs on the new EP show the work of a band continuing to evolve.
And evolve, they will: Kouskous Heaven have their debut album in their can for a future release, and have played a number of live shows throughout the past season in the NYC/NJ area. They’ve received glowing press about their show and stage presence. It’s all looking up for a band with its sights beyond the Tri-State Area, potentially as far as the other New Brunswick and beyond. Follow along with Kouskous Heaven’s upcoming album release and other news on Instagram.
Written by Will Sisskind
