Derek Lynch
If Radiohead took a page from the summer pop-punk bands from my high school playlists, you might end up with something approaching Candid Kid-at once heartfelt and calculated, simultaneously avant garde and catchy as hell.
The four-piece outfit uses polished guitar riffs, synth melodies, and thumping, gated drums. Singer Benjamin Muller slings lyrics in a dramatic, Brand New-esque whine that matches the lyrical content as well as it juxtaposes the crunch of the guitars and drums.
Naming standout tracks would be useless-there are only 5 songs on the EP and every one of them deserves its own review. I will say that I had to listen to the opener, “Whiskey,” three times before moving on. “Young” has the most sing-along-able chorus I’ve heard in a long time. The upbeat anthems take 5 for “Bell,” which is more mellow, slightly more ambient, but still has a soaring melody and harmonized guitar licks. “Summer” closes the album with a dream-rock vibe that reminds us “we grow worthless in the summer, but it’s worth it to be alone.” Preach.
Turn on the Current’s Local Show, 96.3, Radio K, the damn local news, whatever. You’ll hear these guys, and you’ll thank me when you do.
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