‘Of Ghosts’ was self recorded, self produced and self released by The Kids United, so they deserve respect for their DIY approach. Based in Ohio the band have played with the likes of Fireworks and This Time Next Year and they have that kind of mid-life Movielife/late-life Lifetime feel; the vocals are a little similar to Vinnie Caruana and the guitars sound a little like they came off the S/T Lifetime album. It’s a decent mix and perhaps sounds best on ‘When Conviction Leaves’ which is a really solid song. The band are clearly on the right lines and while the production is sometimes a little flaky and could do with being a bit more full sounding, the song structures, riffs and drums are all present and correct. In short, everything you expect from a band with this type of sound is here.
My only complaint is that this EP isn’t as hard or as aggressive as their peers nor is it melodic enough to make you want to sing along. Everything is in the right place, granted but it sounds a little too familiar – but not better – than a lot of other bands. And the cynic in me says why should I spend my time listening to The Kids United ahead of other bands? That said they are on the right lines and if the band keep progressing there’s no reason why we won’t hear much more from them in the future.