REVIEWS
Kite to Camden is another amazing, catchy, memorable head-trip of an album. I never know what I'm going to get from REC, but I'm always delighted. This album covers more genres than I can name, often just in a single song. Among the frenetic genre-bending chaos, REC laces catchy melodies and simple lyrics with deep, relatable, and emotional themes. It makes me wish I was working on a film right now, just so I could find the perfect scenes for each of these. But filmmaker or no, there's something in here for everybody. Techno and dance lovers will play "Almost Everything About You" on repeat, and you rock/pop fans will be adding "Twist My Kite" to all your playlists.
Matt Conant, Cinevore Studios
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Kite to Camden is a genre-blurring journey through vulnerability, rebellion, and redemption. With his signature blend of indie pop, lo-fi rock grit, hip-hop cadence, and singer-songwriter soul, REC (Nick DeMatteo) crafts a record that’s equal parts intimate & expansive. Tracks like “All On Me” and “Twist My Kite” balance catchiness with emotional depth, while “Eat Salvation” and “You Know You’re Right” dive into deeper terrain with attitude. This is music for the late-night thinkers and the midday wanderers, a personal soundtrack for public catharsis.
Charles G.
This is a wonderful album. Its songs weave sunlight through despair and give way to something different than I have heard from this artist. The song “Any Universe” could be a hit. Looking forward to hearing what more this artist brings us.
Amanda A.
REC has knocked another one out of the park. The Sunshine Seminar is a potent mix of smart lyrics (riding that fine line between cynicism and cautious hope), sharp tight rhythms, and intriguing harmonies. Highly recommended!
Richard B.
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Driving beats & electro infusion, catchy, original melodies, intricate stories & jam-packed arrangements. REC oozes '80s, bringing to mind prominent pop bands of the era (Tears For Fears?), and holding their own. Consistent AND varied, you anticipate every tune. Lyrics thought-provoking, but simple enough to mesh with the music - and keep you thinking after the song is over. This album transports me - to the trippy '60s, to the electronic '80s, and then back to modern day! Welcome, REC! Welcome to my playlist.
Anastasia K.
The trials of romance come out of New York from an unsigned alternative pop duo called REC. REC sounds similar to Depeche Mode and Radiohead with their eerie alt-pop melodies and sorrowful vocals. REC sings songs about falling in and out of love with brutal honesty with their latest EP, the heart-wrenching Distance to Empty. The journey of heartbreak begins with “Shoot to Kill” - weeping vocals, groovy bass line, and an eerie, atmospheric sound. It’s a hopeful tale about a man determined to find romance again despite being hurt by a former girlfriend because he realizes that life is too short to be unhappy.“Love in Stockholm" has a grittier sound, with soulful vocals and a sultry drum beat that imitates a nervous heart. The journey ends with a tearful goodbye in “Different Oceans.” This is a sad tale about a couple that realizes that their relationship has “run its course.” However, the couple is grateful for the good times they had together. With this release, it’s apparent that REC has a bright future. Mixing dark melodies and soul bearing lyrics with controlled beats and deep soulfulness, the heartache and songwriting shine on Distance to Empty. Fans of dark alternative pop will love this collection of music.
Liz C.
I knew I was in for a great ride when I heard the opening track. Funky, edgy, attitude-laden alt/pop/ock. An incredible voice and the ability to craft trippy, intricate music & make it sound effortless. Each song seduces. Put me on this guy's mailing list!
Jennifer Layton, Indie-Music.com
Nick's voice harkens to Bowie & Petty with a bit of Robyn Hitchcock. From the ambient moodiness of "On the One" to the edgy, hook-laced pop of "It's Almost Over" and the seething power groove of "The Same Way", Nick proves versatility both in instrumentation &sharp but not haughty lyrics with interesting eccentricities.
Sandy Serge, Music Morsels
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There's something about Nick's songs that screams NYC underground guitar.
Sarah T., Score! Music Magazine
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I like “Come a Little Closer” and “Your Sister” - which sound like John Lennon filtered through early Beck and Violent Femmes. Dreamy and psychedelic in a contemporary way. Nick’s voice “works it”and he has a great backing band to flesh out his songs.
Gail Worley,StarPolish