by Kero Kero Bonito
Released October 1, 2018 via Polyvinyl Record Co.
Reviewed January 13, 2021
Top tracks (based on community voting)
Only Acting (79%), Swimming (48%), Time Today (45%)
Time ‘n’ Place by Kero Kero Bonito is one of those albums that never ceases to amaze. Coming off of 2016’s Bonito Generation, the band could not have taken their sound into a more different and left-field direction. KKB fans knew and loved Gus, Jamie, and Sarah for their fun, light-hearted lyrics and bouncy, brightly colored electropop production. There was a certain childlike innocence to their music that was just so irresistible. Time ‘n’ Place is like the angsty, teenage era of the band’s sound, with much darker, oftentimes sadder lyrics and much noisier, rock-based production. Sarah is singing much more often than she has on prior projects, and the album is all the better for it. Nearly every track on here will leave you with chills, goosebumps, and occasionally even tears in your eyes. This album is truly one of a kind, as it manages to remain as equally catchy and fun as it is anxious and depressing. Kero Kero Bonito’s sound has evolved in such a drastic way, and we can only hope they continue pushing the boundaries of music. – Hadley (9/10)
While Time ‘n’ Place can appear carefree and happy on the surface, one look past that reveals a world of emotions almost akin to the loss of innocence. But let’s be clear, Time ‘n’ Place isn’t bittersweet. It’s a facade that rarely breaks, only in moments such as the breakdown on “Only Acting.” After seemingly “graduating” from a very innocent and somewhat childlike approach to the music present on works like Bonito Generation, we get to see them coming to terms with more complex emotions like regret and existentialism. Additionally, the implementation of elements from genres such noise rock and dream pop, coupled with the adoption of darker lyrics, adds much-needed depth to Kero Kero Bonito’s traditional style. KKB is constantly transgressing and evolving their work, and Time ‘n’ Place is their best and most daring attempt yet. – Alan (8.5/10)
Life never fails to be a series of ups, downs and arounds; Kero Kero Bonito simulates that very aspect of the human condition for the duration of their third album, Time ‘n’ Place. It is a sizable step forward for the group, having previously been perceived through the bright, bubbly, and whimsical overtones of their first two albums. A great start for the band, of course, but emotionally limiting in some capacity. In the very necessary effort to further humanize their sound, KKB is a more visibly sensitive projection of everyone in the group. Lead vocalist, Sarah, delivers a more curious and existential narrative to each song, and relishes in the emotionally accurate nature of each instrumental illustrated by the band’s two producers. The end result is a catchy, dynamic, and self-evolutionary success across every mark. – DeVán (8/10)
Hadley: 9/10 | Cam: 8.5/10 | Jared: 8.5/10 | DeVán: 8/10
Enth: 8/10 | Dominick: 7.5/10
