Kinch

Kinch is a US indie pop group from Phoenix, Arizona. The band forms in 1999, when cousins Andrew Junker and Brian Coughlin begin writing and recording with their childhood friend Jake Malone while they are at Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix. The name Kinch refers to Stephen Dedalus in James Joyce’s Ulysses.

Early development

After forming, the group records the demo EP Corinth while the members attend separate colleges across the United States. During a break from college, they meet in Los Angeles and play shows at venues including The Knitting Factory and The Silverlake Lounge. After graduation in 2006, they relocate to Phoenix at the suggestion of John Hartmann, who has managed America, Crosby Stills and Nash, and The Eagles, so that they can focus on the band full time.

Releases and recordings

In 2007, Kinch self-release their first single, Londontown, which is produced by Craig Schumacher at Wavelab Studios in Tucson, Arizona. Soon after, bassist Bryan Witt joins the group. In April 2008, the band self-releases its debut album, Advances, online for free. The album is produced and engineered by Alex Pasco. The group later releases a three-song EP, The Economic Chastisement, recorded over two days at a studio in Austin, Texas, and also offered as a free download.

Style and reception

The band’s sound is described as indie pop with brusque power pop and alt-rock qualities, with references to 1960s garage rock. Their music is also compared with Coldplay, The Strokes, Ben Folds, The Arcade Fire and Blur. Advances is described as having a Spector-style wall of sound, strong vocal melodies, Beatles-like songwriting, and layered keyboard and guitar textures.

Performances and recognition

Kinch appears live on air on KXLU 88.9FM in Los Angeles, Arizona State University’s The Blaze 1260AM KASC, and The Edge 103.9FM KEDJ. They play The Edge’s annual EdgeFest alongside Jimmy Eat World, the Plain White T’s, Hot Hot Heat and The Bravery, and they support acts including Local H, Electric Six, Sponge and The Lemonheads. Advances is named Best Arizona Album of 2008 by the Phoenix New Times.