If the lackadaisical rhythms and aimless noodling of too
many late-sixties San Fran bands implies an overindulgence in acid, then their
frenetic pace, vicious guitars, and rhythmic chaos suggests that amphetamines
were Kak’s drug of choice. The band’s self-titled debut and sole LP is an
invigorating artyfact of acid rock’s least interesting scene. By the time the
guys get around to the more typically laid back, west coast sound of “I’ve Got
Time” and the Donovan-esque “Flowing By”, we can all agree they’ve earned a
respite after sweating through “Everything’s Changing” with its incongruous
marriage of hippie-sloganeering and punk attack, the stunning “Electric
Sailor”, and “Disbelievin’”. Flip Kak
over, and find the group reinvigorated for the hellfire blues of “Bryte ‘n’
Clear Day”. The token epic “Trieulogy” lacks the verve and tunefulness of what
preceded it, but by that point, Kak have earned enough good-faith points to be
forgiven an indulgence that is still livelier than the jams most of their peers
were producing in ’68. Hell, if The Grateful Dead had one-tenth of Kak’s energy
and nerve, they might have actually earned their cult.
Guerssen Records is now reissuing Kak on vinyl with no detail overlooked. The vinyl is super quiet,
the audio is super powerful, and the cover is heavy stock. This lovely package
includes a booklet with a band member interview, a nice-quality obi and a
collectable card depicting the band’s logo.
