WHAT'S COOKIN'?

"What's Cookin'?" was launched in March 2024 as the second ep of an Ontario-based duo SPACE KITCHEN. They have already released their debut eponymous ep last year, where we can hear lovely catchy approaches tinged with progressive essence. Their latest stuff sounds more of a smart pop than the previous one. Pretty appropriate for us to get more active and more delightful.

"Lovin' 9 To 5" consists of cool tight beats created by strict rhythmic kicks and dramatic guitar flows. Slightly complicated vibes can be easily accepted. Reminds me of the similar vein to YMO in the 'Naughty' era. "Believer Deceiver" is another power rock. Speedy percussive punches pump us up. Yes, a clearly vivacious atmosphere is good, and simple pop / rock launchers are not bad either. In "Life At Sea" more dramatic movements can be enjoyed. There is no lunacy nor burden around their creation as well. Happiness is a warm gem ... guess we could feel so.

Yes, not bad as a pop ep. Recommended if you are depressed at a hard time. You will get fine.

This prog pop duo from Ontario scores points with me for their wink to underexposure and critical thinking on their bandcamp page: "See why critics are calling this Space Kitchen's second EP". I enjoyed their first EP, in particular the smart melodic numbers, and little has changed on "What's Cookin'". Again, it's a mixed bag, with the tracks that straddle the crossover divider being most enjoyable. The clean guitar lines and pop savvy harmony vocals of "Lovin' 9 to 5" and "Life at Sea" are the picks for me, "Believer Deceiver" and "My Love to You" being not catchy enough and too catchy respectively. I'd like to see what SPACE KITCHEN could serve up in terms of a full course album, even if it means waiting a little longer.