UnknownComponent

The Pointer Review

Written By Chris Cahill

Unknown Component is a one-man band featuring singer/songwriter Keith Lynch from Des Moines, Iowa.
Lynch, classified under the indie rock genre by contemporaries, has released five albums over the past five years. His most recent release is “In Direct Communication” (2008).
Some reviewers place Unknown Component amongst Radiohead, Kurt Cobain, and Elliott Smith, even praising Lynch as one of the Midwest’s best rising artists.
Although particular parallels can be drawn between these more prominent bands, I think true fans of these bands would find this comparison misleading. I, for one, consider Lynch’s voice more akin to an incredibly atonal and monotonous Bob Dylan cover.
In all honesty, my first opinion of the album was not one of praise, but after listening to it multiple times, I will say that this work did slowly grow on me.
“In Direct Communication” contains ten total tracks, most of which highlight Lynch’s affinity for simple songwriting. Simple beats, guitar riffs and simple vocals are the common theme throughout the majority of the album.
For being an independently constructed album, it is apparent that the album is put together remarkably well. The songs “Retrospectively Speaking” and “Somewhere a Light Has Gone Out” feature some nice keyboard riffs in conjunction with Lynch’s decent guitar skills. Lynch’s song “The Inconsistent System” features these guitar riffs in coordination with a nice bass line.
All in all, there seem to be many components (no pun intended) in each of Lynch’s songs, which is impressive for a one-man band.
On another note, most of the lyrics to Unknown Component’s songs are enjoyable and invoke thought in the listener.
The lyrics were creative as well and I think would have more potential if coupled with different musical themes. For example, the lyrics in the song “Into the Sun” are as follows:
“It’s about the confusion in the messages now, who has won/ I feel like nothing’s changing, there’s just more aggravation/Cover your eyes to block the sun.”
I would not recommend anyone to purchase the album without first listening to a few of Lynch’s songs, which can now be done through iTunes or Unknown Component’s Web site.
If you are interested in Unknown Component, go ahead and check out the Web site at www.unknowncomponent.com or the Myspace site www.myspace.com/unknowncomponent.