Search - Rock Kills Kid :: Are You Nervous

Union Of The Snake.

Jason Stein | San Diego, CA United States | 06/23/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you read my reviews at all, then you know I'm a punk/new wave/romantic fanatic. I'm always on the lookout for new blood in the old vein. In the past 4 years several bands have brought back that classic sound from the late 70's and early 80's that has sorely been missing since 1990. Rock Kills Kid certainly have been influenced by U2, Duran Duran, Modern English, The Cure, The Smiths, The Psychedelic Furs and A Flock Of Seagulls among others. They compete perfectly with the new breeds The Killers, Interpol, The Music, Keane, Snow Patrol, Blue October, Arcade Fire and Franz Ferdinand to name but a few.



So, how IS the music on "Are You Nervous?" Well, I saw the video for "Paralyzed" on MySpace back in April 2006 and couldn't wait to pick up a copy in May. I've listened to it a dozen times and I have to say I'm looking forward to hearing more from this band. The first half of the disc is perfect with "Parlyzed", "Hideaway", "Midnight", "Are You Nervous?" and "Back To Life". Any of these five tracks should be hits on alternative radio stations across the country. Things stumble a bit on the back five as "Life's A Bitch" misses slightly, while "Run Like Hell" (no, not Pink Floyd's song) and "Don't Want To Stay" keep up the standard set on the first half of the disc. The final two tracks "Hope Song" and "Raise Your Hands" seem like toss offs. Overall, a great listen, and a great full-length debut."

Excellent debut

Scott J. Teichman | Littleton, Colorado USA | 07/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an excellent debut that I am surprised has received as little buzz as it has.



The comparisons to The Killers and The Bravery are valid but there are some differences. The Killers debut had a somewhat harder edge than this CD. Rock Kills Kid (RKK) songs are more similar to The Bravery but with better production and far better vocals.



The CD opens with the lead single Paralyzed a catchy danceable tune that should be RKK's breakout like Somebody Told Me was for The Killers. There are really no throwaway tracks on the CD but I do agree that the first half of the record is stronger than the second half. These guys channel lots of the 80's new wave groups as at times the vocals come off like Morrisey's and the third track Midnight sounds like Seven and the Ragged Tiger era Duran Duran.



A big complaint many reviewers will have is the brevity of the CD - I believe it clocks in at 38 minutes. Personally, I would rather have a strong short CD than a double CD filled with largely disposable trash (do you hear me Red Hot Chili Peppers!). It is an easy record to get your arms completely around it quickly.



Great CD, catchy beats, excellent production. I just hope more people hear about RKK."

New sound, same niche

Brad Nicholson | Perrysburg, Ohio United States | 05/24/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a fan of the new-new wavers since I first heard The Killers back in mid-2004. I also really enjoyed The Bravery and the newest member of that niche, Rock Kills Kid.



Like most people, I got into them from their free song on iTunes. I ordered the CD and received it recently. I certainly was not disappointed in the purchase.



The music is definitely a throwback to the 80's, which for me is great. There is definitely a Smiths influence and some Duran Duran (particularly "Astronaut," Duran Duran's newest, sounds very similar).



The opening song, "Paralyzed", sets the mood of the album, which is that 80's guitar-and-synth theme, but then the middle of the album loses a bit of that. I personally found some of the songs in the center, such as "Back to Life" and "Run Like Hell" to be a bit of a letdown, but the great sound does pick up again toward the end of the album. I think that the last two songs especiallly, "I Need You" and "Raise Your Hands", are a fitting ending to the disc, particularly the last song.



If you are a fand of The Killers, The Bravery, The Smiths, Duran Duran or 24 Gone, you won't be too disappointed. It's a nice fresh sound when none of the above bands are coming out with anything new."