Kelsey Chaos Releases 'In For The Kill'
posted in: Music News
Kelsey Chaos, otherwise known as Kelsey Merritt, is no stranger to the music industry. Over the better part of the last decade she has been making a name for herself fronting various bands and touring the country, including 5 consecutive Summers on Van’s Warped Tour. The majority of her work up till now has been focused in various subgenera of alternative rock, which many may remember from her former band’s single “Wrapped Around My Finger,” but over the last two years Kelsey has been reinventing herself and has now turned her focus to the world of pop.
When I say pop I do not mean pop rock. No, I mean Kelsey has begun creating the kind of the music you hear on the radio, in the mall, or blaring as the ringtone from a teenager’s smartphone. Some may think pop music is simpler than rock, but that really could not be farther from the truth. The challenges presented are not the same, but writing a hook (or co-writing, in most cases) that connects with enough people that you get radio play and/or crack the pop charts is a skill few, if any can master. Kelsey’s debut EP, In For The Kill, proves Kelsey has the talent for topping the charts, but there is still room improvement.
Starting with the title track, which was recently released as a music video, listeners are immediately introduced to Kelsey’s new sound. The song is catchy as can be, with lyrics that work for the sound but still feel true to the spirit of Kelsey’s earlier work. She sounds sweet as can be, but with a lyrical attitude that pulls you in and leaves you wanting to know more. The follow-up, “Shot In The Dark,” maintains this edge while adding a dash of sex and romance to the mix. Nothing bordering on what you’d hear from the likes of Ke$ha or anything, but just enough to open the imagination, which is exactly what makes it a hit.
With any debut there are bound to be a few questionable choices, and “Liar Liar” is the sore thumb of In For The Kill. Co-written by *NSYNC’s Christ Kirkpatrick, which may be one of the motivations for putting it on the release, the song details Kelsey’s reaction to learning a guy she cared for lied to her, and while the sentiment is strong the hook feels amateur when compared to the rest of the release. The majority of the EP plays like it’s ready for radio while still being filled with alternative wit, but the familiarity of the phrase “liar, liar, your pants (are) on fire” makes the chorus feel a bit on the nose to warrant much replay value.
From the bottom to the top, “Alien” is In For The Kill‘s diamond. It does not sound as current as the earlier songs, but instead offers an 80’s throwback feel that is as accessible as can be. Merritt has long promoted her love for all things space oriented, and this song mixes that passion into her songwriting with creative flair. It’s so good that it possibly overshadows the closer, “Feel Like Dancing,” but that’s not to say the latter is by any means a bad song. It’s actually quite good if you’re looking for a song to start your night out, but “Alien” is the one you will want to tell your friends about.
Breaking into any music scene is a difficult task, but having tackled alternative music I see no reason why Kelsey Chaos cannot work her way through the pop hierarchy in the years to come. Her debut boasts great production, infectious hooks, and (mostly) strong songwriting that is unlike anything you’re hearing on the radio right now. It’s so close to familiar that your ears will accept it right away, but it’s clever enough to stand out in your mind. If you love pop, In For The Kill is a must-hear release.