Before listening to this three way split released on Firefly, all three bands were new to me. I was aware of the general buzz regarding Kids Near Water, but their American/German counterparts who join them on this nine track release were a new kettle of fish, and as such I approached with a clear head without any pre-conceptions. Unfortunately though, it is proved this time that the hype proves itself more than worthy as Kids Near Water dominate proceedings with their three efforts while America is Waiting and The Coalfield slug it out for first runner up. Yes, I know it isn’t a competition for whose tracks are the best, but the gulf between the opening trio of efforts is just too big to ignore.
With Kids Near Water set to release a new album in February, it can’t come to soon if the likes ‘Practice Our Miracles’ is anything to go by as it pours out energy from the off but the peak is reserved for the beautifully crafted ‘If you only knew’. America is Waiting make a strong start with the dark and seedy ‘Sympathy for Rome’ which flows well and features a strong riff throughout and although a similar tone is carried through to ‘Seperation Between’ and the superbly named ‘We’ll hammer these swords into guitars’ the high standard is not and both tracks quickly become but a footnote and make no redeeming mark. It is left to The Coalfield for an attempted turn around and they make a strong start with the rawkus ‘Portrait Receiver’ but the rest unfortunately disappoints with nothing but blandness the lasting memory. Although ‘Isolation & Tragedy’ thumps along at a meaningful pace, it offers little respite for the disappointment of the other tracks.
On the whole this is a disappointing release for all involved. While Kids Near Water fly the flag with pride for the UK, America is Waiting and The Coalfield do little for their respective scenes. It is hard to recommend a CD such as this when it is only the opening trio of tracks which are really worth the money you’re paying and it all compounds an ultimately shallow experience for 38 minutes of music.
Jay
Firefly Recordings