Kilravoc, the solo project of Omaha-based multi-instrumentalist and producer Steven Wayne Smith, delivers an ambitious and evocative release with Incompatibility ][ Working Class Hero. This dual-track offering serves as a poignant introduction to his upcoming album, Just Another Wonderful Day. Melding a visceral original composition with a raw, collaborative cover of a John Lennon classic, Kilravoc showcases a dynamic blend of heavy rock influences and personal, socio-political commentary. The opening track, “Incompatibility,” is a cathartic and deeply personal exploration of Smith’s frustrations as a neurodivergent individual navigating a rigid, capitalist society. Written, performed, and sung entirely by Smith, the track is an amalgamation of stoner rock grit, post-metal heaviness, and progressive rock intricacy. A thick wall of distorted guitar riffs and pounding drums establishes an oppressive sonic landscape, reflecting the song’s themes of alienation and inner turmoil. Yet, Smith’s deft instrumentation and production offer moments of clarity, with melodic interludes and layered textures breaking through the chaos.
His vocal delivery, raw and emotive, carries an authenticity that invites listeners into his struggle. The song’s shifting dynamics and unconventional structure highlight Smith’s ability to channel a wide array of influences while maintaining a cohesive identity. The second track, a reimagining of John Lennon’s “Working Class Hero,” takes the original’s biting critique of societal oppression and amplifies it through Kilravoc’s heavier, more layered aesthetic. Featuring contributions from Smith’s The Alliterates bandmates—Sean Soucy on guitar, David Dick on lead vocals, and Anna Schmidt on co-vocals—the cover captures the rebellious spirit of Lennon’s classic while giving it a distinctly modern edge. Soucy’s guitar work adds a sharp, industrial-tinged undercurrent, while Dick and Schmidt’s vocal interplay brings depth and urgency to the track. Kilravoc’s interpretation of “Working Class Hero” doesn’t shy away from its source material’s uncompromising message but instead magnifies it.
The heavier instrumentation and raw production emphasize the enduring relevance of Lennon’s critique, particularly in the context of Smith’s broader themes of societal exclusion and systemic inequity. This dual-layered release bridges the personal and the political, inviting listeners to reflect on the intersections of individual struggle and collective discontent. Ultimately, Incompatibility ][ Working Class Hero serves as a striking introduction to Kilravoc’s multifaceted artistry. Smith’s ability to channel his diverse influences—from doom and progressive rock to industrial and post-punk—into a cohesive narrative is a testament to his skill as a songwriter and producer. The raw emotional weight of “Incompatibility” combined with the fiery reinterpretation of “Working Class Hero” creates a release that is as thought-provoking as it is sonically powerful. For fans of boundary-pushing rock music with a message, this release is a must-listen.
Garcia Penned 🖊️
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