Ok, so not exactly a new release but I noticed no one had reviewed it as yet and felt that was a bit of an injustice to such a good, good album. I honestly hadn't expected to like smart casual half as much as I do, when I received it as a promo from a kind friend who represents them, I happily took it thinking it'd be nice cheesy songs to listen to while getting ready for a night out, maybe a handful of really catchy ones from start to finish, and the rest forgetful fillers. Boy, how I was wrong.
From the moments it opens with the intense rage (I know!) fuelled guitars of Fisticuffs, it felt like a breath of fresh air. The band pull off skillfull musicianship that belies their age, and lead singer Aled Phillips' unashamedly and often brutal lyrics are very perceptive for a young man of that maturity. But maybe that's just me not giving these younguns enough credit in the first place, Anyways, if you've been following Kids in Glass Houses then you're probably aware a good few singles have been taken off this album, such as Easy Tiger (my fave, I love how it starts!), Give Me What I Want and Saturday. Already there's some pretty jaded lyrics in there, "I wish I could speak, we spent the last half hour in the back room celebrating me. And now I feel a little cheap" (Saturday), but generally the mood of this album is upbeat, punchy and, well, FUN. It makes you feel how I imagine my friend used to feel when he put drum n'bass 'tapes' (yes, tapes) on and said it made him feel like he wanted to go "raaaaavin", and then he'd start jumping around his room. It makes you excited and optimistic, despite its' surprising depth, which I find a rarity in an album these days.
Despite receiving this album back in May, I still choose to listen to it even now, it definitely has longevity considering I can tire of an on par album pretty quick. It is perfectly produced, arranged and composed. The lyrics aren't silly (as some of their peer bands have a tendency to have) and it'll keep you smiling.
A truly outstanding debut from another exciting band hailing from Wales (Wales is so the new black), I'll be eagerly following Kids in Glass Houses progress for a long while yet I should think.
You should also try and catch these guy live, toooo much fun. Every time. But I'll save that for another review.