Hailing from Iowa, independent artist Keith Lynch has released his10th album through his music project Unknown Component titled, “Blood v. Electricity.” Filled with daunting lyrics, impressive performance and quality, Lynch has definitely found a sound that suits his musical persona.
Lynch is the sole member of Unknown Component, and this allows plenty of room for failure or success. However, he proves in many tracks of this album that he certainly knows how to musically multi-task. The album is filled with several intensely somber lyrics along with slow-moving guitar riffs combined with a pulsating drumming in the background. This album constantly ventures across different spectrums of rock such as experimental, punk, alternative and even indie.
Most of Lynch’s lyrics are very open and could be interpreted in several different ways. This was intentional on Lynch’s part. During an interview with blogger Patrick Crowley, Lynch was asked about his writing process.
"I try not to have any specific agenda when I’m writing. I like songs that can have different interpretations," Lynch said.
This concept is demonstrated in “For All Intents and Purposes” with lyrics like "Well if you’re building up a wall, you had better build it tall/ cause they are waiting on the other side with a motive and an alibi" could be a jab at propaganda or just a jab towards past or future relationships.
The new types of technology available to various artists could improve or weaken the quality of music produced in the market. Lynch expressed his concerns about this new venue for artists in an interview on his YouTube channel.
“You had to be able to prove that what you were doing is worth someone’s attention, now you don’t have to do that now you can just put something out there and just call yourself an artist, maybe that’s how it should be. It’s interesting to see how the music industry is evolving to try and meet that, or counter that, because they don’t want the gates to be open to everybody,” Lynch said.
In that sense, Lynch understands the challenges he is facing in getting his product out there but obviously with so many albums under his belt it shows that he is still very passionate about what really matters to him, the music.
Various other gold mines are scattered throughout “Blood v. Electricity” such as “Pendulum” which has a very new wave feel to it with very complex music elements (mixture of electronic instruments as well as real drums and guitar.) It is clashing but in a good way. It is also relatable to many young adults possibly listening to his music with the lyrics, "The animal spirit of death and decay/ is building a throne on minimum wage.”
Taking a slightly different tone is the track “Sensory Deprivation.” When the chorus comes along, his voice actually breaks through and leaves its murky tone behind, switching to a very empathizing mood. “Through the Surface” is the last song on this album, and at first it seems very finalizing by ending on a soft note almost resolving the tough feelings throughout the album, but when the lyrics are actually listened to it is obvious that resolution is not in sight.
“Blood v. Electricity” on first listen comes across as a very average album but once it is given a second chance it is clear that Lynch has some understated talent. With an improved studio and an equal amount of time spent on sound quality and lyrics he has produced a forceful album.
“Blood v. Electricity” receives 3.5 out of 5 stars
To purchase “Blood v. Electricity” please visit www.unknowncomponent.com
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