Album Review: Kid, Keep Dancing - What Was I Thinking EP

South Wales is currently leading the way when its come to producing pop punk over recent years. So hailing from Port Talbot, you might anticipate exciting things from Welsh youngsters, Kid, Keep Dancing and their debut EP 'What Was I Thinking'. And certainly to some extent they deliver.

The EP gets off to something of a shaky start, as we are presented with an all too familiar sounding synth in the entrance to ‘Faster’. Unfortunately this somewhat twee melody goes on to form the foundation of the song, and ends up falling on the wrong side of annoying. But once you get past this what you find is actually a very catchy number, with hooks strong enough to hold their own.

Second track ‘Cat Burglar’ is a pacey, punchy affair, which demonstrates the band’s intentions for the rest of the record. Some choice lyrics perhaps mar the experience but lead singer ‘Jameshop’’s powerful vocals really come into their own.

Unfortunately the EP then takes something of a nose dive with middle track ‘Turn The Lights Off!’ Opting for a Panic! At The Disco circus sound, it turns out more Brighton pier than Cirque de Soleil.

However, the records saving grace are the last two tracks, the first being ‘What Was I Thinking.’ An infectious, bouncy number; the band really sound in their element and more importantly enjoying themselves.

Closing song ‘Prom Dance’ is really in a league of it’s own. The slow build up erupts into a fantastic climactic finish. The whole band really step it up a gear, with thrashing guitars and James’ really demonstrating just quite how far his vocal range can reach. Awesome.

Kid, Keep Dancing are a band with bucket loads of potential. While this EP may not quite be the polished article, it is still a great debut. The band deliver sing-a-longs, hooks a plenty, and most importantly, it’s fun. As is the case with many young bands, they need to make sure not to stray into other bands territory, with moments sounding suspiciously alike to Kids In Glass Houses, and to a lesser extent Save Your Breath. But as long as they remain focussed and can define their own sound, they could be on to a winner.

3/5

'What Was I Thinking EP' by Kid, Keep Dancing is self-released next month (date TBC).

Kid, Keep Dancing on MySpace

Tom Shepherd