Following the disbandment of Philadelphia’s math-rock outfit Palm, members Eve Alpert and Kasra Kurt, alongside producer Matt Anderegg, swiftly re-emerged under the moniker Kassie Krut. Their self-titled debut EP marks a significant departure from Palm’s intricate compositions, venturing into the realm of rhythmic dance tracks infused with experimental flair. Released in late 2024, this collection showcases the trio’s adeptness at blending mechanical beats with ethereal vocals, crafting a sound that’s both innovative and immersive.
The EP’s standout track, “Reckless,” serves as a formal reintroduction to the band’s evolved aesthetic. Alpert’s vocals adopt a robotic timbre, seamlessly intertwining with text-to-speech elements that replace Kurt’s previous vocal contributions. This mechanized approach lends a hypnotic quality to the music, inviting listeners into a dance-driven soundscape that’s both familiar and refreshingly novel. Other notable tracks, such as the intense “Hooh Beat” and the emotive “United,” further exemplify Kassie Krut’s commitment to pushing musical boundaries.
Critics have lauded the EP for its minimalist yet impactful production. While retaining traces of Palm’s progressive sounds—evident in the zither-like guitars of “United” and the rhythmic manipulation in “Racing Man”—Kassie Krut carves out a distinct identity that stands at the crossroads of indie rock and electronic dance music. As they navigate this new sonic territory, the trio demonstrates a fearless embrace of change, signaling a promising trajectory for their future endeavors.
