From the Department of Late Reviews comes our thoughts on the latest album by Croatian Alt/Rockers And The Kid. “Grand Mal” was released at the end of March, and follows admirably in the footsteps of their debut “Factories”.
The album opens with “Revolutions At Home”, laying down the groundwork for what is to come; not just in sound but also lyrically. It opens with a heavy feeling guitar chord and metronome-like a drum beat bringing an immediate solemnity to proceedings, as it lays out the manifesto for those who do not speak up for themselves.
The tempo ups for “Compassion Is Gone” and the guitars have a lighter vibe to them, although setting the scene for the tracks to come and paves the way for “The Western World”. The guitar work carries the track well while the bass discreetly hooks you in. The track has a lighter feel to it.
“Bad Things In” is a punchier track; as the chorus kicks in, the rhythms are almost like taking a breath. Things wind down for “Unemployed, Yet Still Busy”. Opening with a bassy rhythm that ticks along it soon opens up with some guitar work that just sets everything just on edge. Before dropping down towards the end of the track to that rhythm, this time accompanied by a harmonica.
“I’m Not Like” immediately hits you with the increased tempo and almost anthemic feel – well a rowdy pub gig! With its almost confrontational “Not like, not like not like you” coming at you. “Burn The Night” is more laid back, but just as powerful. The guitars support the verses with subtlety and pull out the stops for the breaks and chorus, ensuring that nothing is left wanting.
“Can You Feel Anything These Days” is a harder, uncompromising track. It raises the tempo and emotion and although not as punchy as some that preceded it, it is just as powerful.
As the end of the album draws close “Half Human/Half Happy” hits you, a more guitar-led track; the vocals have a rougher feel at times that add to the energy. While the vocal delivery is almost spoken, in fact not spoken but delivered as small statements; it’s cut short and direct. This; coupled with the rhythm, makes the track punchier than you would expect but becomes more obvious on subsequent listens.
Closing “Grand Mal” is “Oppression”; a track whose initial feel is far from that, opening gently with an airy feel to the guitar work.
From what started as a gentle soft track to cool you down for the album closer, opens up halfway through with the electric guitar and the drums kick in. And then it becomes the opposite of the opening, but one that is a fitting close to the album.
This is a great album for those lazy days – not only is there a laid back vibe, it packs a punch when needed. But you can just let those guitars wash over you. The album has a raw edge, a slightly unpolished feel – but this adds to its quality. In fact, I would say it was by design and gives the album added depth.
Throughout the album is the feeling of unrest and tension, although this is carefully packaged and is not political; but more about observations on humanity, good or bad. While musically it packs a punch where needed, it is not delivered with the same aggression as can be found in “Factories” but it is there nonetheless; blending Electric and Acoustic into a package that flows effortlessly between these styles.
One of the stand-out aspects is the quality of the songwriting, and despite the heavy themes the music supports the subject matter with ease. You are not left feeling emotionally pummelled, but ready to take on the world. This is all accompanied by the fact you can tell they have honed their skills since “Factories”. The album is a little less raw, but still has that attitude and honesty to make it stand out.
Check it out here.
Line Up
Mali – Vocals
Starki – Guitar
Ivan – Bass
Pavle – Drums
Track Listing
Revolution At Home
Compassion Is Gone
The Western World
Bad Things In, Good Things Out
Unemployed, Yet Still Busy
I’m Not Like You
Burn Night
Can You Feel Anything These Days
Half Human/Half Happy
Oppression
Links
https://www.facebook.com/AndTheKid
http://andthekid.bandcamp.com/
Words by Jon “Head of Late Reviews”.
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