Kinski/Ultrasphinx/Wild Boys of Aveyron

Now going on 14 years together, Kinski opted for a “more direct” approach on their latest release, Cosy Moments, says songwriter Chris Martin (not to be confused with the Coldplay front man of the same name). “I was getting tired of hearing people step on wah pedals and solo over psych rock…including us,” says the Seattle space rock veteran. Famously formed in a pub after bartending drummer Dave Weeks overheard Martin and bassist Lucy Atkinson holding forth on the charms of analog recording, the band has indeed pursued a “cozy,” or at least approachable, sound on their new album. While past efforts have focused on textural Spacemen 3 soundscapes with minimal vocals and sprawling guitars, Cosy Moments evinces a revolutionary template for the band: verses and choruses. While the guitar freak outs remain as barbed as ever, the album’s dirty hooks and truculent vocals recall the golden age of Seattle grunge. (Hannah Franklin)