K Sera - Collisions & Near Misses Review

Variety is the spice of life, and K Sera’s Collisions & Near Misses has it in spades. This little-known band’s only full-length album was released six years ago, but still resonates with me after all these years as proof that the longer the search, the more valuable the find. My discovery of these Sacramento, CA rockers came about from a deep dive into Spotify’s remarkable “Related Artists” tab; what band led me to K Sera is unclear, as their music is quite unlike anything else I listen to.

With chunky bass tones, inventive synth lines, and soaring vocals, there are several standout moments in this album that make for a compelling listen. In “Dream Like I Do”‘s second verse, the hushed vocals accompany a synthesizer bit that sounds straight out of a video game. “Carry” has a composition with grandiose proportions akin to an epic movie trailer. “Hollow Ground of London”‘s jammy nature breaks from the conventions of typical song structure with several breaks and bridges. No two songs sound alike, with serious experimentation taking place on Collisions & Near Misses.

The tight production of Casey Crescenzo makes this record pop out. Crescenzo, who leads The Dear Hunter and is formerly of The Receiving End of Sirens, can liken some of his bands’ extravagant sound to K Sera’s album, who they clearly draw a bit of inspiration from. With several layers taking place, multiple listens are warranted to absorb everything going on, without the music sounding too busy. Casey has released several successful albums with The Dear Hunter, and still goes strong to this day (unlike K Sera), but Collisions & Near Misses can serve as an extension of his production prowess.

The uniqueness of Collisions & Near Misses is what makes it seldom seen in other bands, and what keeps me glued during a shuffle of all of my music. The swing jazz of “True Enough to be Interesting” is further helped with vocal variety in the verses and a perplexing piano solo, whereas “Collisions”‘ endearing entrance helms a key change and melodic guitar showcase. Paying attention to individual instruments will reward the listener.

Having previously released the EPs Cantos 1&2 and The Machinist, Collisions & Near Misses showcases the growth of the band, with a cohesive, entertaining listen married to Casey’s imaginative production. While these EPs showcase great chemistry and a collection of great ideas, the climax of the band’s creativity arrives at their full-length record. The culmination of six years of hard work and persistence pays off in Collisions & Near Misses. Even if K Sera didn’t blow up, the talent within the band is undeniable and the lasting power is timeless, as genres shift and fade.

While this album was released in 2013, the band has laid dormant ever since. Brief updates via the Facebook page sparked hope in a younger Mike, but it was apparent that this was where K Sera would say its goodbye. I think of what could have been if K Sera released more treasures, and if they would have exploded in popularity; nevertheless, the members have gone on to different endeavors. At the end of the day, K Sera’s Collisions & Near Misses is essential listening for rock fans looking for something a little different.