Kapsize
The Gift (Post-Parlo)
Quiet befuddlement is the most immediately identifiable reaction to the songs on The Gift, so named because that was the original intended purpose for this record, to be sent out as a Christmas gift for a select few close friends and family. Stifling a chuckle, one can only regret that this CD didn’t stay within that circle. Kapsize is Ben Dickey, formerly of obscure local band the New Cuba, and on this his first local solo effort he offers no less than a solo musical rendition of his most personal journals, mostly to acoustic guitar and roughly layered vocals, and reaches a level of intimacy that feels more than a little squirrelly. It’s a naked singing of childish poetry, an absurdly vulnerable and naive coming of age that’s better used for inspiration than for public consumption. There are a few moments: “Drive, Drive, Driving Him Nuts” is curt and bearable, and “Precious Time” survives the sentimentality that drips from the rest of the album. There’s even a picture of Dickey and his parents inside! With a little more life experience, Kapsize might have some good music in its future, but some things should remain in the closet. 
This article appears in June 30 • 2000.