Music Review: Kick Kick - Powerplay
Fun, Frenetic Pop Music
Powerplay, a self-released record from Kansas City band Kick Kick, is a quirky, energetic, and relentless collection of theatrical pop. It is a rarity to find a cohesive album that has no flat spots, but Kick Kick has managed to pull together all of the frenetic elements of pop music’s journey, for a release that leaves no time to wallow. It is loud, brash, cocky, and very fun.
The synth-heavy record has an eclectic and mature feel to it, but finds its harmonies deeply rooted in a wad of bubblegum. There are tambourines and horn sounds along the way, and a very glam delivery of the vocals that does nothing to mask the four piece’s intent to have a good time.
There are many different personalities in the twelve songs. “Sexy Money Power” is a Stones’ like strut, complete with cowbell and shakers, while “Bumper Car” has a beach bounce to it. The record’s wandering keys, sense of humor, and genre bending are very remindful of NRBQ, although Kick Kick, like their name may infer, has no propensity for respite.
“Splinters In Your Fingertips” is a raucous punk trounce with crunched guitars and thundering drums. It also features a vigorous harmonica blow from Brody Buster, which is a special treat, and worth the price of admission alone. And while the band does a lot of shouting on the song about heaven and hell, the message is anything but didactic, and doesn’t belie the band’s festive culture.
With titles like “My Geronimo,” “Play LA,” and “American Party,” Powerplay is a record best suited for those not seeking epiphany or reflection. While at times the record’s production gets cloudy and unrestrained, the band’s musical instincts make up for the shortcomings with a solid log of propelling rock and roll.
Kick Kick. Photographs by Todd Zimmer.
Chris Weaver is the Executive Producer and co-owner of Bear House, a film production company, and he is wondering if he will ever see the sun again.
www.bearhousefilms.com
Music" is proudly sponsored by American Jazz Museum.
Related Articles:
Read Past Articles · the Archives
Fun Thumbs
