KIN TALA’s debut EP, Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost, is a mesmerizing blend of indie-rock, electronic, and ambient genres, marking a significant step in their evolution as an alternative-indie act. This North West duo has created seven tracks that both honor indie-rock traditions and push sonic and thematic boundaries, positioning themselves as a noteworthy act.
The EP kicks off with “Aztecs,” an airy, eclectic track that sets the stage for KIN TALA’s unique soundscapes. The synth-heavy “Heavy Head” and the indie-rock closer “Two Socks” further demonstrate the duo’s innovative approach to music, creating a listening experience that defies easy classification.
Dom from KIN TALA explains the EP’s creation: “NATWWAL is an expression of a lot of things; our long friendship, our drive to make interesting music, and KIN TALA finding itself. We had the opportunity to craft something totally on our own, so we had creative freedom to push those themes and range of sounds on the record. Lyrically, I used it as an opportunity to express frustrations surrounding aspects of society, history, and politics that have done my head in over the years, and wanted the sounds to reflect that.”
A standout track, “Ocean Blues,” pays tribute to community, family, and friends. Shee reflects, “We wrote this track back in 2014. I was listening to Mac Demarco’s Salad Days a lot at the time, and the riff was heavily inspired by that record – lots of vibrato and chorus effects. I showed it to Dom, and the whole song came together in about 20 minutes. We’ve rerecorded the track 4 or 5 times since then, but in the end, returned to the earliest version of the song. This track means a lot to both of us, and on reflection, it’s probably because this period was the ‘salad days’ of KIN TALA.”
From Humble Beginnings to Rising Stars
KIN TALA, consisting of Dom Rogers and Shee Juma, have been musical partners since their school days. Growing up in Blackpool, North West England, amidst socio-economic challenges, they taught themselves to record, mix, and produce music independently. Their 2021 release of early tracks earned them regional acclaim and spots on BBC Introducing and Radio X.
Building on this momentum, KIN TALA has continued to explore new musical territories. Their 2023 single “everything & all,” featuring dynamic samples and worldly rhythms, achieved commercial success and set the stage for the debut EP Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost.
With a forward-thinking approach to songwriting and production, KIN TALA’s debut EP showcases their talent and creativity. Their ability to blend diverse musical elements into a compelling and cohesive sound makes them an exciting act in the indie music scene.
Listen to Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost HERE
