Kitty, Daisy & Lewis ‘Smoking in Heaven’ (Album Review)
Monday, 30 May 2011
Written by Rob Sleigh
Who would have thought it would take three young siblings from London to revive classic American rhythm and blues music in such a genuinely authentic style? However, that is exactly what brother and sister trio Kitty, Daisy and Lewis have done on their second album ‘Smoking in Heaven’. Following the release of their eponymous debut in 2008, which saw the group mix a selection of traditional genres and earned them a number of well-known followers such as Amy Winehouse and Chris Martin – the latter even invited them on Coldplay’s US tour – Kitty, Daisy and Lewis have taken things further still on their latest offering.
Compared with their first album, which featured several cover versions, ‘Smoking in Heaven’ is all the trio’s own work and really proves them to be the musical force to be reckoned with that was merely suggested on their debut. Anyone new to Kitty, Daisy and Lewis must also understand that this isn’t your average guitar, bass and drums three-piece – these guys do everything and more. Making use of more instruments than you can shake a stick at, the group count the likes of harmonicas, ukuleles, pianos, banjos, guitars, trombones and even a harp amongst their musical arsenal. Taking charge of vocal duties are sisters Kitty and Daisy, who can be heard taking turns at singing on the majority of the 13 tracks. However, their brother Lewis also makes a couple of appearances on lead vocals on the upbeat blues number ‘Don’t Make a Fool Out of Me’ and the relaxed, country-inspired ‘I’m Coming Home’.
This gives you an idea of the kinds of musical twists and turns that ‘Smoking in Heaven’ makes along the way. Kicking off with album opener ‘Tomorrow’, a sunny, Jamaican ska track with some Hawaiian ukulele thrown in for good measure, the album deviates through easygoing rockabilly, slow bluesy grooves, fast-paced swing, jazzy R&B and piano-led boogie woogie. Probably the most contemporary track here is one called ‘Messing with My Life’, which mixes guitar-driven funk with a more modern day R&B sound.
One of the most pleasant things about ‘Smoking in Heaven’ is how they’ve managed to capture that warm, grainy vinyl texture without losing any of the quality of the music. Throughout the album, Kitty, Daisy and Lewis embrace the gentle crackle of the needle meeting the groove that made some of this music so appealing the first time around. So, whether you’re into some of the more time-honoured musical styles or you just want hear an album that’s chockfull of the kind of upbeat, sun-soaked, diverse songs that are sure to put a smile on your face and get your feet moving, then ‘Smoking in Heaven’ is for you. Anyone impressed by their debut, but felt that this young trio were capable of so much more should take note as Kitty, Daisy and Lewis will not disappoint.
Stereoboard Rating: 8/10
Kitty Daisy And Lewis UK & Ireland Tour Dates are as follows:
Tue June 7th 2011 - Wedgewood Rooms, Southsea
Wed June 8th 2011 - Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff
Fri June 10th 2011 - Ruby Lounge, Manchester
Sun June 12th 2011 - Brudenell Social Club, Queens Road, Leeds
Mon June 13th 2011 - O2 Academy2 Newcastle, Newcastle
Tue June 14th 2011 - King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
Thu June 16th 2011 - Nottingham Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
Fri June 17th 2011 - O2 Academy2 Birmingham, Birmingham
Sat June 18th 2011 - Thekla, Bristol
Tue June 21st 2011 - Dingwalls London, London
Fri July 1st 2011 - The Hop Farm at the Kentish Oast Village, Tonbridge
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Compared with their first album, which featured several cover versions, ‘Smoking in Heaven’ is all the trio’s own work and really proves them to be the musical force to be reckoned with that was merely suggested on their debut. Anyone new to Kitty, Daisy and Lewis must also understand that this isn’t your average guitar, bass and drums three-piece – these guys do everything and more. Making use of more instruments than you can shake a stick at, the group count the likes of harmonicas, ukuleles, pianos, banjos, guitars, trombones and even a harp amongst their musical arsenal. Taking charge of vocal duties are sisters Kitty and Daisy, who can be heard taking turns at singing on the majority of the 13 tracks. However, their brother Lewis also makes a couple of appearances on lead vocals on the upbeat blues number ‘Don’t Make a Fool Out of Me’ and the relaxed, country-inspired ‘I’m Coming Home’. 
