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Kung Fu Vampire – Dead Sexy (CD Review)

By Sean Thompson

I must preface this review by stating for the record that I am not a huge fan of rap and/or hip hop. It isn’t necessarily because I do not respect it as a musical form; I am just simply more a fan of actual guitar-driven rock n’ roll. However, this does not mean I do not appreciate it. That said, I cannot truly claim to be an appreciator of the South Bay Music Scene without including Kung Fu Vampire.

Based right here in San Jose, Kung Fu Vampire distinguish themselves not simply by their visual appeal, but also by their sound. Blending classic rap/hip hop deliveries with Gothic beats and an eclectic mix of instruments (including violin and cello), Kung Fu Vampire – both the man (whose real name shall remain a mystery…) and the act – deliver something…just a wee bit different. In researching bands based in Silicon Valley, their name came up over and over as an act I absolutely had to check out. During Left Coast Live in May, I finally got my chance.

It is safe to say I was bitten and hooked. Pun intended.

Active on the scene since about 2001, KFV established their sound with the aptly titled Fang Shui (released July 2001) and followed it up in 2004 with Blood Bath Beyond. The sound evolved, but with distinct direction, becoming more refined as something of a new genre – Gothic Hip Hop. With each live show, KFV further expanded their audience base, but true recognition seemed to elude them locally. They have played such events as the Saw III release party as well as making an impression with their set at The Playboy Mansion and have also shared the stage with other notable acts such as Digital Underground, KRS-1, Papa Roach, and others. And yet, even as their resume and reputation grew nationally (and even internationally), they seemed to remain one of the South Bay’s best kept secrets.

With the release of Dead Sexy, KFV are poised to blow all of that out of the coffin. Featuring production by Leon Freeze, Prohoezak, Sadie Flick, The Iklectix and Kung Fu Vampire himself – while showcasing collaborations with Spice 1, Dem Hoodstarz and Z Man (from One Block Radius) – Dead Sexy is KFV’s first release in a little over 5 years. I have to admit that I seriously enjoy this CD, especially getting into the tracks “Transactions”, “No Thang”, and “Darkness We Run”. KFV’s talent for seamlessly delivering colorful and entertaining flows are additionally featured on “Circuitry” and “Neckromance”. An added bonus included on Dead Sexy are a couple of live tracks (“Last Walk” and “Neckromance”), showcasing how tight their sound and delivery are in front of an audience. Another treat for fans are two remixes of “Transactions”, one by Bloodwire and the other by Settler.

Dead Sexy is appealing not simply because of KFV’s dedication to mixing old school rap with styles previously not thought to blend well (Goth, Funk, and Rock), but also due in no small part to their dynamic visual style. This approach helps KFV to appeal to a broad audience…and their live show seals the deal, ensuring that everyone in the house has a bloody good time.

If you want to hear and see for yourself what I am talking about, pick up a copy of Dead Sexy from KFV’s website (http://www.kungfuvampire.com/). If you are local, KFV are playing The Avalon Nightclub in Santa Clara on June 19th, tearing up the stage with Esham, Natas, and Mars. June 20th KFV will be in Fresno at Babylon and June 21st finds them further south, burning down The Viper Room in Hollywood.

Kung Fu Vampire is:

• Kung Fu Vampire – Vocals
• Miss Fortune – Cello
• Statis – Guitar
• Razz – Violin
• Mr. Pollett – Bass
• Lainey Leone – Vocals
• David West – Drums
• Count Nunez – Keyboards