Kylesa- From the Vault Vol.1
It is good to see a band spend time and effort on a B-side collection. Unlike most bands or record labels that push out these collections to either generate money for the label or buzz for an upcoming record, Kylesa have spent over a year going through their back catalogue to produce a wondrous accumulation of material that will satisfy die-hard fans and new fans alike.

Guitarist/singer/producer Phillip Cope explained: “This project has been a labor of love…We didn’t want to release something just thrown together”.

Never satisfied to stick to one genre, the Savannah Georgia  Metal/Hardcore/Punk/Psychedelic   Kylesa have really chosen a fine selection of unheard, rare and alternate version tracks here that is really a treat for long time fans, and good catch on a genre defying band for new comers.

This is a truly rare accomplishment in a world where the attitude towards most B-side collections is ‘Quick push it out – even if it sounds like a sick cat on a trampoline, get it out!’. How many times have you picked up a one of these collections only to discover it is a badly produced, horrendous collection of sub-par material the band clearly didn’t give a shit about?

You won’t find that here.
In amongst all this rare history comes a little glimpse into the future, “End Truth” is everything you expect from Kylesa;  a reference to the past with the subtle injection of that special sauce that Kylesa always bring to every new record.

The highlight of this collection is Pink Floyd’s “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun”. This is what you want from a cover – not just to hear a band playing it, but truly making it their own.  With Kylesa’s music already so infused with Floyds’ sense of doom and acid trip inducing melodies, the band excel here. Not to take away from the stunning original songs on this collection, but “Set the Controls…” is certainly the big draw card for fans that are unsure about purchasing this record.

There really isn’t a bad thing to say about From the Vault. It is a feast for die-hards, a good entry point for new fans, and a rare phenomenon being a B-side collection that could stand on its on two legs as its own record.

~Rob Ryles, Contributing Writer with RockRevolt™ Magazine