The Nijmegen group The Kevin Costners named themselves after the American actor / director who always guarantees good and thorough film work, but also what is face and characterless. A good choice of name because unfortunately that characterization also applies to the debut album of this five piece. The enthusiasm and craftsmanship burst from it but their songs, backed by lightly distorted campfire
… guitars and sunny choirs, have been done so often, so much better. Even within the Excelsior Recordings stable (Johan, Daryll-Ann, Gem) from which the group operates. House producer Frans Hagenaars also added his characteristic sound (tight, many mid frequencies with rough crunching highs). But the weakest link within this lighthearted indie pop group is the lead vocals. This one seems to be expressive but does not want to rise above all those rustling guitars. Live, this group may be mainly driven by a lot of energy. They do not make it on record. (MR)more
