Better late than never, Pamplin Entertainment's Red Hill Records puts together its offering in the boy band arena called Kindred Three. The group's eponymous debut is everything we've come to expect from the new millennium pop troupes: the look, the sound, the image, and now more than ever, the message. Putting an ever-so-slightly different spin on the True Vibe /Plus One / Phat Chance/Basix image, Kindred Three goes with a trio versus a quartet or quintet, and a bit more Latin flavor.
There is plenty to like about Kindred Three. The production values are high, and the song selection is good. The guys of Kindred Three, Lamar, Shone, and Wenché, have a lot going for them. The multi-racial trio hail from African-American, Caucasian, and Latin ethnic backgrounds, their vocal harmonies are tight, and their musical styles are varied enough to reach a broad audience.
Highlight songs on the Kindred Three CD are "Sing a New Song," a sho-be-do jam with a catchy chorus, "I Know You Know" with its brazen new millennium pop beat, and "I Belong To Thee," an a cappella tune similar to what one might hear from Boyz II Men. Production credits belong to John and Dino Elefante, with additional production by Mooki Taylor (Stacie Orrico), Dan Needham (dc Talk, Jaci Velasquez) and Shysti (Ricky Martin, Christina Aguilera). Together, they give the CD a slick sheen that borders on over-production, but still lets the vocal talents shine through.
Although the Christian boy band scene may be getting a little crowded lately, there always seems to be room for a band that can bring something to the table and stir things up a bit. Kindred Three fits the bill and has the potential to find its place in the constellation of contemporary pop music.
3.5 tocks
