Kids in Glass Houses - Smart Casual [Album]

**lina-riot** · 05:41 PM

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.

jack s · Comment Posted on: October 7, 2008, 11:49 PM

Think i saw these guys a few years back at download festival. I can't say i hate them, they make good music for this genre aiming at 13 year olds (No offense to any 13 year olds :-S). All American Rejects, New Found Glory, Saosin My Chemical Romance etc; they are all whiney pop bands. Like i said they are doing a great job, just does nothing for me!

Oh and when did the Welsh accent turn into American :-P?

(I'm not having a go at you lina! Just in case you take offense!)

altsounds · Comment Posted on: October 8, 2008, 12:20 AM

Man I agree with you immensely. I could never imagine myself going home going "Oh I must slam on that Kids in Glass Houses Album". Can you even slam on a KIGH album? Probably not.

I made a similar comment about 13 year olds in a review I did of The Blackout a few years ago. To this day all the people associated with them and KIGH hate me for it. If they think they're so good no ones going to dislike them then that makes them shit in itself. All press is good press, you must know that?

I like good music. I like quality musicianship, melody and lyrics. Problem these days is EVERYONE thinks they can be in a band. EVERYONE thinks they can make music. This is by no means true.

Lina (or Romesh) can you send me a copy of this so I can actually listen to it before I make full comment??

lina-riot · Comment Posted on: October 8, 2008, 02:49 PM

No offence taken. However, I do think it's important to actually listen to the album before commenting on it though, as I wasn't even expecting to like it that much until I listened to it (as I mentioned in the review), and I had heard a lot of the singles before as well.

I'll try and send a copy over to you Chris.

jack s · Comment Posted on: October 8, 2008, 03:00 PM

Anychance you could get a copy over to me? I would like to have a listen.

lina-riot · Comment Posted on: October 13, 2008, 05:01 PM

MTA, pm me your address, and I'll post both of you copies.

altsounds · Comment Posted on: October 13, 2008, 05:04 PM

Only original copies though please. Altsounds does not condone the copying of music in any way!

lina-riot · Comment Posted on: October 13, 2008, 06:12 PM

Ah, I'm not sure if I can do it then. I'll ask my friend who works for them if she can sort me out a couple more CDs. Fingers crossed..

Soria · Comment Posted on: October 13, 2008, 07:49 PM

Kids in glasses are a bunch of posers!

lina-riot · Comment Posted on: October 13, 2008, 07:54 PM

Originally Posted by Soria

Kids in glasses are a bunch of posers!

Not all of them.

I'd actually go so far as to say 3 out of 5 (if not more) members definately aren't.

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> Home > Reviews | Kids in Glass Houses - Smart Casual [Album]

Kids in Glass Houses - Smart Casual [Album]

Roadrunner Records

October 7, 2008, 02:27 AM

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"As cool as Kim Deal"

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"Check out the new look site and the studio arm of Altsounds.com!"

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"As cool as Kim Deal"

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"As cool as Kim Deal"

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"Check out the new look site and the studio arm of Altsounds.com!"

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"As cool as Kim Deal"

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"less concerned about fitting into the world... your world that is"

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"As cool as Kim Deal"

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