In the Red

Chip Kinman (Dils, Rank and File, Blackbird, Cowboy Nation) released one of 2022’s best records and it flew under the radar. The Great Confrontation was heavily influenced by Krautrock and was a double LP fans of Robert Rental and Chris & Cosey would’ve really appreciated. Kinman’s new LP is unlike The Great Confrontation. Chip Kinman is reminiscent of his past body of work. The record occasionally utilizes a drum machine (think Blackbird) and it’s the B side that I really like. “Me and Tony,” Chip’s endearing ode to his late brother and collaborator Tony Kinman, has a 1970s Lou Reed vibe to it (Coney Island Baby not Sally Can’t Dance). Closer “Forever Shining” is ethereal and sounds like something Jim Dickinson would’ve produced with Alex Chilton in the mid-1970s. Admittedly, these are some heavy references, but Chip Kinman is a great record. Hopefully, this album connects like it should and if anyone reading this runs into Chip, let him know there is an audience for The Great Confrontation II.