Drawing on a love of cinema to provide the atmosphere and interludes on their first acoustic release, Kato are not content to sit still. Best known for a brand of guitar-pop/rock that fitted well with the mid-90s britpop pack but demonstrated a more timeless quality than many of the one-hit wonders who followed in the steps of Oasis and Blur, the band have used this opportunity to radically reinterpret a number of older tunes. And stripped bare, their lasting quality can be seen.

Keith Ayling (vocals/guitar/lyrics), Mick Buckley (guitar), and a varying band of cohorts have been a fixture at Greenbelt and other events for several years now. Currently settled down with Rick Robinson (bass) and former Eden Burning drummer Mike Simpson, they're finally getting interest from labels at home and abroad.

Musically, this isn't particularly complex, but it is more layered and atmospheric than the band's other releases. It would at times be nice to hear Simpson let loose with some of the percussion work he's previously shown himself capable of, but the arrangements are generally solid and appropriate. In a more relaxed setting, Ayling's vocal range is shown to be wider and his inflections more flexible than we have seen elsewhere. His soft and relatively high performance on the opener "Can't Sleep" is particularly effective.

Produced and engineered with the help of Tony Silcock (Psalmistry) and Dan Bowater (S'Dance), the acoustic setting helps bring Ayling's lyrics to the fore. Determinedly open, Ayling is of the school of lyricists who work out life, love, and faith in their writing. His faith is clear but not shouted out, in a set of lyrics which is accessible as well as personal.

Like many home movies, this one could perhaps do with some editing and a little more diversity in a few of the scenes, but it is a good opportunity to get to know the players without the distorted guitars and loud amplifiers.

James Stewart 11/23/1999