by Eric Alexy

While there’s certainly something to be said about bands that reinvent themselves with each new album, it’s perhaps even more impressive, and certainly quite refreshing, when a band hones in on one particular sound, and over a serious of releases progresses closer and closer to perfecting that sound. This is exactly the kind of evolution that comes to a head on Kaddisfly’s first full-length offering, their Hopeless Records debut, “Buy Our Intention; We’ll Buy You a Unicorn.” Finding a comfortable niche between the warm, nature-loving melodies of Dredg, the epic, earnest songcraft found on Incubus’ earlier records and the uneasy, albeit calculated intensity that’s become a touchstone for many of the “emo/hardcore” scene’s brightest stars, Kaddisfly’s Hopeless debut would be a welcome addition to even the most jaded of scenesters’ record collection. On this 13-song release, the Oregonian five piece reward their long-time followers by taking all the best elements of their three previous independent EPs (2003’s “Did You Know That People Could Fly,” 2002’s “Humania,” and their demo debut, “Honorable Mention,” released in 2001) and finally putting them into a cohesive, albeit sometimes scatter-brained gem of a rock album.

We got Kaddisfly vocalist/pianist Christopher Ruff to submit to our inquiries.

“Buy Our Intention; We’ll Buy You a Unicorn” has to be the coolest album title in recent memory. What the hell’s it mean though? And why the awkwardly placed semi-colon?
The album title is basically a metaphor for the relationship between intention and reward. The more pure one’s intention through life, the more magic life has to offer. “Buy Our Intention; We’ll Buy You A Unicorn” is actually the end of a sentence. Over the next couple records it will make more sense.

Obviously being a fan of unicorns, do you think it’s true that eating Emerald Nuts will actually make unicorns disappear forever?
No way, maybe in the three dimensional world, but not altogether.

Over your three independent releases, the band didn’t necessarily drastically alter its sound, but the progress from one to the next was mind-blowing. Do you guys think with your latest release that you’ve continued to evolve at a comparable pace?
Yes. With every record we become better musicians and better writers - a natural progression for anyone with a passion I suppose. The more you practice the better you get - sky’s the limit. With the new record we were finally allowed the time to show a few more of our sides. “Did you know...” was a painting, “Buy Our Intention.” is a collage of paintings utilizing lots of color and texture, with a common theme and voice. Expect to see the full spectrum through the next two records. Maybe a sculpture for the next one?

On your 2003 indie release, “Did You Know People Could Fly?” and “Buy Our Intention...,” former Barium guitarist Enoch Jensen handled the production duties. It seems like when he came on board you guys really progressed into this fine-tuned monster of a band. What role did he play in your evolution and what compelled you to work with such an unproven producer in the first place?
Well, we met Enoch through a friend, and it just worked out. We liked the fact that he hadn’t done much out of the hardcore realm. At first there was conflict between our west coast sarcasm and his east coast flair, but it worked out. I think he is no longer unproven. Enoch has helped support our sound on record - one that we believe is unique. That’s all we can hope for. With each record we try to raise the level of intensity.

In your mind, what makes a good concept record. Or, is every record really a concept record in a sense?
A good concept record allows the music to come before the message. Sometimes there is so much focus around the concept that the essence of the music is lost or clouded. I wouldn’t say every record has a concept, but I would say there is a concept behind every record.

“Did You Know People Could Fly?” was a concept record, no? Is the new CD?
“Did you know people can fly?” - think Alice in Wonderland. “Buy our intention...” is the first book in a three book series. I suppose it has a concept, but that’s up to the listener. Tracks 1 through 12 represent a historical timeline, 13 represents the present, and 14 and 15 are the future. That’s all for now

Do you guys think Phil Collins takes too much of the blame for Genesis’ eventual downfall?
After all, the dude did eventually go on to write “In The Air Tonight,” which has probably gotten several thousand undeserving dudes laid over the years. Phil Collins is the man.

You guys are on a primarily punk label, you sound a little like Dredg and you’ve got a fricking unicorn reference in your album title. What do you think the odds are that the band succeeds on a wide-scale level with its new album, or is that even at all the aim of the band?
I would say the odds of our success are about the same as the odds that we will make someone mad and make someone’s day with our music five years from now. Time is a tricky son of a gun. One of our goals is never to compromise when writing music. People are trees with their ears to the breeze. To our advantage, they lean toward sunlight, and we tend to live on the bright side.

What eventually sold you on signing with Hopeless Records? And how cool is it that a portion of your album sales will go to charity?
We are grateful to have the opportunity to have a full length album available for people to listen to. Hopeless is down with diversity and for that reason we are down with them. Good people too.

Why should someone buy the new album instead of, say, the new Used or Snoop Dogg album?
Well, because we all need a unicorn. Get the record if you’re interested in hearing what a manatee roosting atop a spotted owl sounds like.

www.kaddisfly.com

2005 “Buy Our Intention; We’ll Buy You a Unicorn” (Hopeless)
2003 “Did You Know That People Could Fly?” (EYOS)
2002 “Humania” EP
2001 “Honorable Mention” EP