Kinski seems to be obsessed with volume. Their album, Be Gentle With the Warm Turtle, is a never-ending set of crescendos and decrescendos that leave listeners with little more to do than check if their stereo equipment is working properly. The Seattle-based group specializes in instrumental rock and their musical acumen is above reproach. Tracks like "One Ear in the Sun," "Daydream Intonation," and "That Helmut Poe Kid's Weird" are wonderfully constructed. "Newport" is the only song on the album to feature vocals, and it's also one of the album's best tracks. Unfortunately, too many tracks, such as "Montgomery" and "Spacelab for Frenchie," meander into boredom. Although there are interesting moments in Be Gentle With the Warm Turtle, the bulk of the album feels like an intellectual exercise rather than an attempt to entertain or engage the listener. ~ Jon Azpiri