American indie-rock band Kind Of Like Spitting, fronted by prolific singer-songwriter Ben Barnett, had a career that puts the argument of “quality over quantity” to test. Releasing nearly a dozen albums in the span of seven years, Kind Of Like Spitting’s discography proves that a band can produce album after album, with little changing of seasons in between each release and still deliver material that is neither lacking nor lost in direction.
2005’s In The Red is a solid work of musicianship high-lighting the strengths of Barnett and company; the simple, haunting melodies of an acoustic guitar paired with vulnerable vocals and gut-wrenchingly honest lyrics makes for a stunning effort from the Portland band’s catalogue (With lyrics like “I’m no victim; broke is different from poor. I’m still learning what my is for,” you can expect nothing less).
However, this decidedly catchy and quaint record is especially noteworthy as In The Red is a compilation of sorts consisting of songs written and recorded over a three year span and is not what most would call a cohesive album; slipped in between the staple acoustic anthems are buzzy full-band numbers, filled with guitar hooks reminiscent of The Promise Ring (ala “Per Se Wha?!” and the album’s title track) and we are kept on our toes are they are spread sparingly throughout In The Red.
None of the quirks that make up the album overshadow what it is about Kind Of Like Spitting that fans have come to love and admire: front-man Barnett has the ability to write songs that make your heart ache, smile, and sing alone with you. In the words of Barnett himself, they make a man, or woman, feel real safe.
Release Date: November 1st, 2005
Record Label: Hush
Stand Out Tracks: Worker Bee #7438-F87904, Bubble Congress, Line and Sinker
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