One of the aspects of the resurgent folk scene that has increased the accessibility and appeal to a wider audience has been the embrace of roots, blues and bluegrass music from North America – something which has bled into UK artists through the work of people such Richard Thompson and his son, Teddy.
Here, with newcomers Kill it Kid that trend continues. Playing a brand of ‘dirty blues’ with plenty of fuzz guitar, wailing fiddle and heartfelt vocals submerged into the mix the soul of the playing belies the young age of these Bath-based university musicians. Their breakthrough came after being the subjects of a recording lesson by the producer of the Eels and PJ Harvey, John Parish.
The album opens with a rip-roaring ‘rhythm & blues’ guitar riff on the gospel-inspired love song Heaven Never Seemed so Close. The next track is their stand-out second single, Burst its Banks which betrays the folk roots at the heart of the band. The highlight of the album for me has to be the mournful and manic ambiance created on Hand me Down Loretta, a song reminiscent of revivalist bands from the US such as ‘Crooked Still’, but with added distortion!
The album is a delightful sonic assault that grabs the listener by the throat and demands their full attention.
