Kill It Kid

Reviewed by Scott McLoughlin

Like a shot of bourbon to the eye, Kill It Kid’s debut Album (self titled but known as ‘Songs of Love and Loss and Debauchery’) is as hot as an iron prod to cowhide. They are probably the first band of 2009 to leave the listener branded. Not your generic blues, indie, folk or even country sound. In fact many arguments will be had trying to define them. The lead vocal is nothing short of breath taking. The blues and country influences in this album are manifest and self-evident. However, this album does not give the listener a one-genre handle to grasp. Unique male vocals, raw guitar, and dynamic fiddle playing are mellowed by heartfelt piano and soulful female harmony. Even the lyrics are educated and catchy, far from mindless. There is so much to grab your attention it is easy to overlook the thundering drums; drums which at the same time are finely balanced and produced. Highly evocative tracks such as send me an ‘Angel Down’ and ‘Private Idaho’ gives the album a softer and at times beautiful core. A necessary contrast to furious tracks such as the albums hard-hitting opener ‘Heaven Never Seemed So Close’, and the electric bluesy feel of the ‘Troubles of Loretta’ and ‘Burst it Banks’. In fact the album is filled with controlled out pourings of emotion. Emotion expressed through the music’s variety of pace and tone, and not forgetting Chris Turpin’s unbelievable voice. The song’s layouts even have more depth than your standard formulaic pop. Nothing I write can adequately describe this bands truly massive and exciting sound. You’ll struggle to choose a favourite track by them. Honestly, this is the best album I’ve bought in a long time. Not bad for five young guns from Bath.

4/5