Kids in Glass Houses - In Gold Blood - CD Album Review
It is 11 tracks of full-blooded, diverse, inventive rock and it’s obvious while listening that the band thrive on what they do and have undoubted faith in their ability.
Kids In Glass Houses are a band that have been well-received by many different critics and fans alike throughout their short career so far. Since their inception in 2003, theyve gone from strength to strength and reached a level of unprecedented success in 2007 when they signed to the infamous label, Roadrunner Records. However, when this happened, a massive amount of expectation was put on the shoulders of the five young members of the band. Firstly, because at the time Roadrunner was a label renowned for its roster of uncompromising, heavy bands and Kids In Glass Houses roots lie in pop/alternative rock so there was obviously a big difference between them and the rest of the bands signed to the label. And, secondly, because people had begun to expect something huge from the band after signing to this revered label. Youve also got to bear in mind that the band were yet to release a full-length album, and this goes to show how strong Roadrunners belief in the band was however, nobody was let down with their debut, Smart Casual, which was released in 2008. The hit song, Give Me What I Want, is still played in clubs along the country to this day. This album set the benchmark for future releases by the band, and established them as one of the most exciting new bands to come out of the UK. Dirt, their second album, was released in 2010 and it fared well but failed to create the excitement and fun of Smart Casual. The band seemed to be going on a more commercial route, especially with the release of the single Undercover Lover, which featured Frankie Sandford of girl-band The Saturdays fame. So, have Kids In Glass Houses come up with an album to rival their 2008 effort with their newest album, In Gold Blood? It is 11 tracks of full-blooded, diverse, inventive rock and its obvious while listening that the band thrive on what they do and have undoubted faith in their ability. The album certainly is one that competes with Smart Casual for the best album that the band have released so far. In Gold Blood, is a really impressive opener. Frontman Aled Philips voice goes from smooth to raw in an instant and the guitars create an almost hectic atmosphere but its straightened out by the tight bass and pounding drums. This is the heaviest the band have gone for a while and its sure to be a track that will be lapped up in live gigs, due to the sheer anger that seeps through which tells the listener the band are trying to make a point that they arent just about making flowing, placid music. The song is still a sing-a-long one, though, and the band deserve credit for being able to do this. The lyrics have a live-for-the-moment feel and this adds to the excitement of the song: In the back of broke cars for some moment thats ours / And we paint on the face that makes us feel safe / When the good and the great tell death he can wait / Cause we had the whole world, every boy and girl.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtyT0d-2w5s Diamond Days is a brilliant track, with solid guitar-work which is winding and soaring and ushers the song along. Philips voice is really effective again here and it shows how diverse his style is, when compared to the opening track, where his voice sounds much rawer and almost as if it was recorded in one take. Fire is the most romantic track on offer. Its drums are almost tribal and the beautiful sax that croons every so often really adds to the overall heartfelt effect that the track produces. The commentary that occurs in the background doesnt over-play itself and even though its in use for most of the song, it doesnt overshadow anything. It adds intrigue to what the band are actually trying to do with the song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jf6oDVOFCcw A God To Many Devils, the last track, assuredly brings the album to its close. It is perhaps the most well-structured song here and the angular guitars with their hooks and calm presence are a far-cry from their first album. It shows the bands more mature side and the heavy riff halfway through is one that will get the crowd moving at gigs. The almost choir-like vocals are used to good effect here and are a stark comparison to Philips screaming vocals at the end of the song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZnK548hirs Kids In Glass Houses have released a really impressive album with In Gold Blood. It further establishes their place as one of the UKs most exciting bands and is an album that will be adored by their fans and will result in new fans joining the band on their journey, too. The band have finally achieved the potential thats been so obvious for far too long. The future can only get better for them. Kids in Glass Houses' new album 'In Gold Blood' was released yesterday.