North
Self-Released, 2025
8/10
The Minnesota outfit Kung Fu Hippies have been at it for two and a half decades now, and this first album after a number of setbacks has the band in fine form and ready to rock.
The energetic “Days Gone By” opens with Buzz Chopper’s bright keys and Frank Leonovich’s distinct voice guiding the melodic climate, and “Brutus” follows with Chad Whittaker’s flowing bass and the expressive singing amid much rhythm.
“Northwoods Boy” and “Ely Town” occupy the middle spots. The former makes great use of Brad Ray’s warm acoustic guitar via the strong attention to mood, while the latter is a breezy moment of harmonics and thoughtful song craft.
The final track, “Cameo”, then allows for all 6 members to display their skills in the lush and sometimes dreamy songwriting that’s sophisticated yet playful.
A triumphant return from some very difficult times, Kung Fu Hippies span a lot of ideas around the rock spectrum with careful yet frisky precision. The real question is, can they get their fellow Minnesotans Kung Fools to reunite for a split release?
Travels well with: Dallas Orbiter- Spaceman Things; Verskotzi- Shiring