In his own words, this album is Kiran Leonard's proudest achievement to date. You could argue that this isn't saying much as he's only 17 years old, but it appears he's been involved in music for quite some time and 'Bowler Hat Soup' isn't his first album. Also it sounds as though he's been surrounded by music for most of his life; the album has been mastered by his brother and his dad was also involved in its making; his influences include Stravinsky, At The Drive-In, Sun Ra and Sufjan Stevens. A musical soup indeed and a wide and varied range considering his age. Leonard also states that this is his most 'pop' work so far, and noticing that he's just released a 24-minute track called 'The End Times' we have to assume he's not lying.
At a whopping 16 tracks long there's a lot to digest here and the planned vinyl release may even stretch to a double album. It's certainly eclectic too; none of the songs are particularly straightforward and as well as regular instruments 'Bowler Hat Soup' also utilises items such as a drill, a radiator and even a wall. We can safely assume that Leonard is happy to experiment. As such, comparisons don't really enter the equation, although you'd guess another one of his heroes, Frank Zappa, would have approved of his approach and style. This album could be considered psychedelic although not in the traditional sense, but it's certainly a madcap collection and one that may be described as quirky or at least a little off-kilter.
When it comes to the songs description becomes difficult. You can hear Sparks on 'Dear Lincoln', there are a lot of piano-led songs, almost like Elton John had he collaborated with Gorky's Zygotic Mynci. 'Brunswick Street' is part Ben Folds Five and part music hall, there's a definite prog influence but it's not pretentious or indulgent, more just... unusual. Many of the songs don't even break the two-minute barrier. 'Bowler Hat Soup' is one of those albums that you'll either love or hate, but whatever your opinion you have to applaud the effort and imagination that's been put into it, especially in a world where so many bands are essentially facsimiles of what's gone before. With any luck Kiran Leonard will be making music for many years yet, and long may his winding, experimental journey continue.
Kiran Leonard's website
'Bowler Hat Soup' is available to stream now with a vinyl release planned for March.
Stream the album in full
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