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Kinell formed as a challenge: Can you write and record original songs in the spirit and style of a band you love and still create something new? Saigon Kick bassist Chris McLernon and Action City Blackout guitarist Collin DeBruhl wanted to find out, starting with Thin Lizzy, Irish-born rockers who rumbled through the ‘70s and ‘80s on a mix of catchy songs and raffish charm that resonated on both sides of the Atlantic and influenced countless musicians.

After demoing a handful of tracks, McLernon and DeBruhl had the makings of a forward-looking sound that built on classic trademarks: twinned guitars, rock ’n’ roll bravado, irresistible hooks and a poet’s ear for lyrics and mood. They had a name, Kinell, a shortened version of an expression you’ve probably uttered yourself in moments of amazement or annoyance.

Seeking to fill out the rhythm section, Kinell enlisted a revolving quartet of phenomenal drummers: Barry Kerch (Shinedown), Ricky Sanders (Saigon Kick, STA), Eric Rickert (Souls Harbor, Skin Tight) and Marc Danzeisen (Riverdogs, Little Caesar), playing as only they could and collectively giving the songs punch and swing.

The result is Kinell’s energized and outgoing debut, “Crash. Burn. Rebirth.” Produced by McLernon and mixed by multiplatinum producer Eric Bass, “Crash. Burn. Rebirth.” celebrates the past without being trapped by it.