KLT

There are concept albums that challenge listeners to search for deeper meaning, and then there are concept albums that put a musician’s mental stability in question. The premise of KLT Presents is that this album is the first of a trilogy based on a superhero named Butch, an “orphaned stick figure from a planet called Grunt,” who becomes the patron saint of the Grunt galaxy. Mmkay. The potential for eye rolling is astronomical, but instead of someone with equal access to a music studio and a crack pipe, KLT ringleader Kenny Carter comes off as the able maestro for an eclectic project that’s commendable, if a little off-target. KLT Presents took four years to complete, and Carter calls it his life’s work. Though the album is touted by KLT as groundbreaking, earth-shattering and perhaps a cure for the common cold, it is none of the above. Carter and his contingent of musicians do incorporate an orgy of styles, ranging from rock and funk to pop and hip-hop, with considerable success, though. The album is entertaining, and some tracks (such as the slow R&B funk of “Tumblin'” ) hit a toe-tappin’ groove, but it’s not schizophrenic enough to be a genuine novelty. Carter’s brainchild can be fun, but even with the intergalactic concept, it’s really too normal — KLT Presents isn’t reinventing the wheel or even necessarily improving on the original design, but it is ambitious. The only disappointing thing is that, in four years, Butch was the best superhero name they could come up with.