If you take a look at Kemman’s biographical blurb on last.fm, you will see that they are a 3-piece band that has been around for fifteen years. That may sound impressive, but Kemman has been pushed aside by its members for other projects for most of the band’s lifespan, which struck me as odd. Why is it that the band couldn’t stay on a steady path of music making for a decent period of time? I unfortunately found the answer when I listened to their five song CD, The Long Rocker.

Maybe they are having a good time, and perhaps their chemistry is solid, but I don’t feel that there is a coherent gelling of musicianship in the record. I don’t hear any fluidity of transition within the songs, nor do I hear the organic progression from track to track that I look for in an exceptional album. Kemman’s pieces are very simple, but not in the successful way that a band like Silian Rail seems to be able to achieve. Kemman’s songs are drawn out, but not complex enough to advance the song’s theme. The drums are often too elementary, and the guitar needs to do a better job of carrying the tracks. One can take a listen to the guitar work at the end of “Burster” and use that as an example of the kind of riffs I want to hear on the whole album.

I have to comment that the introductory guitar part on “Destructive Interference” sounds almost exactly like the King of the Hill theme. I just could not take that song seriously because of that. The rest of the guitar work was also very trite; once again, it did nothing to advance the song to satisfactory proportions. The record also reeks of old metal music, which I am not fond of. The last.fm blurb also likens the band to Tool, which I successfully took as a warning sign. Any band that compares themselves to Tool concerns me.

Since the band has been on and off hiatus for the last 15 years, I think they need to take the time to spend all of their efforts on the band - if Kemman wants to succeed, that is. I’m not positive if the band members are still working on side projects, but nevertheless, the album felt rushed and old… 15 years old. Kemman should take some time to create a full-length that is well thought out, more complex, and one that features the bass guitar more heavily. That was probably my favorite part of the album, although rather difficult to hear. Look out for “The Long Rocker” to be the best track on the CD, but don’t expect too much from this Chicago band.

-Jessica Reuter