The Kissaway Trail

The Kissaway Trail are an indie and art rock group from Odense, Denmark, active since 2006. The band’s line-up consists of Søren B. Corneliussen, Thomas L. Fagerlund, Daniel Skjoldmose, Rune Pedersen and Hasse Mydtskov. They are also known by earlier names including Isles and Hostmom.

Background

Three of the members — Søren, Thomas and Rune — first record together as Hostmom and then as Isles. Under the name Isles, they self-release the album We have decided not to die in 2005. Daniel Skjoldmose and Hasse Mydtskov then join, with Daniel on guitar and keys and Hasse on drums, and Thomas begins sharing lead vocals with Søren. This gives the group its two lead-vocal arrangement.

After Søren loses interest in music following his father’s death, he later chooses to start performing and recording again, and the band begins work on its debut album. Their early material is still available through Danish music websites.

Releases

The Kissaway Trail release the EP Into the Ocean and Rise Again in 2006. Their self-titled debut album, The Kissaway Trail, follows in 2007 and includes singles such as Smother + Evil = Hurt, La La Song and 61. Their material is issued by Bella Union in Europe outside Scandinavia and in Japan, by Etch n Sketch in Australia and New Zealand, and by Playground Music in Scandinavia. On the breakthrough album, underground producer Morten Frank works with them in the studio.

Sound and influences

The band is associated with the Danish indie scene and is often compared with The Figurines, Moi Caprice and Mew. International comparisons include Modest Mouse, Mercury Rev, Arcade Fire, the Flaming Lips and the Polyphonic Spree. Their influences include The Beach Boys, Grandaddy, Daniel Johnston and Sonic Youth. They are also noted for distinctive English-language lyrics.

Live activity

The Kissaway Trail are known for live performances that include album tracks and b-sides such as Romeo And Romeo and La Mia. In 2007 they act as main support for Editors on UK and European tours, appearing with Ra Ra Riot in the UK and The Boxer Rebellion in Europe. They also perform at Wireless, Latitude and SXSW in 2007, and at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 2008, where they support Interpol and The National.

Track note

The title 61 refers to the number of days a band member waits to hear the result of a family member’s terminal illness. The member is not identified, although some listeners associate the song with Hasse Mydtskov because of his chest tattoo of the number 61 and his comments that it is his favourite song to play live.