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<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nFormed in 2017 and with a self-titled long player released back in 2019, London 3-piece power pop sensations More Kicks return with their sophomore album \u2018Punch Drunk\u2019 on Stardumb Records. And they promise a heavier, more expansive sound with an album born of frustration, anger and heartbreak during lockdown. Consisting of James Sullivan (Sulli) on vocals\/guitar, Kris Hood on drums and Paolo Mantovani on bass, the band continue their campaign for world domination with an explosion of fuzzy guitars and pop sensibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the lush, choral harmonies that introduce opener \u2018Hurts Like Hell\u2019 may bring to mind indie folk darlings Fleet Foxes in a Nashville church, the sound of More Kicks has two size 9\u2019s firmly planted somewhere in a London garage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recorded live in the studio onto 2\u201d tape (as with the debut album), they barely breach the 3-minute barrier for their melodic, power pop ditties that resemble the sound of Mega City 4 jamming Buzzcocks and Sonics cover tunes. Current single \u2018Terminal Love\u2019 is a fine example of how this band mix indie beats, jangly guitars and melodic goodness to great effect. Lyrically dealing with a relationship that has run its course, it’s a remarkably upbeat ditty with a chorus that will ring around your skull for days, and a vocal that sounds like Paul Heaton banging out an Undertones tune. More Kicks are sure onto a winner methinks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With its \u2018My Sharona\u2019 riff, \u2018Animal\u2019 was the lead track from an EP that preceded this album release. It is delivered with a primal statement of intent; the refrain builds nicely as fuzzy guitars accompany a passionate vocal. With just enough powerhouse drums, bouncing bass and shouty, gang vocals, the high energy \u2018Good Enough\u2019 is a blast from start to finish. It even has a Wildhearts-esque chuggy guitar bit thrown in for good measure. There\u2019s a definite Senseless Things\/MC4 thang going on here, which can only be a good thing in my book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yeah, like fellow London reprobates The Speedways, it seems More Kicks are the kings of lo-fi power pop. Potential radio hits flow left, right and center over the course of this 12-track album. It is short, sweet and to the point. Feedback and a bass drum build to a frantic beat that introduces the punky \u2018In Love\u2019, a song that takes us back to late 70\u2019s punk and new wave. Distorted power chords, crashing drums and killer gang vocals drive the primal feel of \u2018Come Home\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They tone down and tug at the heartstrings momentarily. The picked chords, echoey vocals and sweet melody of \u2018Got Lucky\u2019 come over almost like a nursery rhyme, with the rhythm section playing a bare bones accompaniment, just enough to give it some depth. Elsewhere, with just a reverb-soaked guitar as accompaniment, Sulli delivers the raw and emotive \u2018Phoney Middle-Aged Art\u2019, its short length leaving you wanting more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mixing up the garage rock sounds of the late 60\u2019s & 70\u2019s with definite 90\u2019s indie rock leanings, More Kicks have produced a fine follow up to their debut album. \u2018Punch Drunk\u2019 is 12 tracks of raw, power pop goodness, written during a time of emotional change and forced isolation. Like we always say, bad times bring out the best in a songwriter and \u2018Punch Drunk\u2019 is a testament to that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n