I was reading some other online reviews for this record as I first listened and read with horror at the number of poor comments ‘…and the noble art of irony’ has received. While not original in the slightest, the Swedish quartet take a melodic rock sound, add some catchy choruses and a healthy dose of The Get Up Kids if they went modern day emo and come up with an album that is well worth checking out.
With a dual release on Epitaph and Burning Heart, this is one of those records that sounds so much better in the sunshine. The poptastic ‘A Kid Called Down’ gets things off to a great start, while the crunching, Billy Talent-esque ‘Pretty Teeth’ begs for a singalong. While the press release hints at comparisons to the likes of Panic! and FOB, I don’t believe they sound anything like those bands at all – there’s more of a focus on the rock and roll than the pop or the pomp of P!ATD, so if you’ve read any similar lazy comparisons, disregard them. The European vocals shine through on ‘110%’ which, dare I make a lazy comparison myself, sounds a little like Millencolin.
Massively melodic, but maintaining the ability to rock, Kid Down are a pleasant little listen. If you’re not yet a fan, check them out and it won’t take long to make you a convert.