Kai Reiner

Kai Reiner’s self-titled debut continues a tradition of English/German, indie pop cross-pollination started more than two decades ago by Peter Hahndorf (founder of Twee.net), fanzines like Anorak­Can I Just Say Sweatshirt and Marsh Marigold Records. Reiner’s songs reveal a shameless passion for ’80s British indie: Egg Records, the Subway Organization, colorful badges, flexi discs, 7-inch singles, anoraks, bob and bowl haircuts, shambling Bristol. The Hamburg resident’s flat, detached vocals evoke the Field Mice’s Robert Wratten, the iridescent and jangly guitars are pure Razorcuts and the shimmering production work is typical of noteworthy indie producer John A. Rivers. But while Reiner’s adoration is alluring (this is an artist genuflecting before a movement he’s a generation and a country removed from), his songwriting necessarily isn’t. Hear the repetitive lyrics to “Hey K,” “Brown Eyes” and “Are You Okay?” that feel lifted from the same lovelorn diary entry. And “I Don’t Want Your Crown” and “Brown Eyes” betray an exhausted sonic approach: fill any space with chiming Rickenbackers and hope no one suffocates. It’s not until the end that we get any sense of originality: “Know You Now,” where Reiner’s harsh German accent bleeds through, and the finale, “Shine,” with its catchy chord progressions and foot-tapping groove.