The Kinison have had a tough career in the music business. Their EP didn't do to well when it was released in 2003, fans at their own gigs have attacked the band's style and they had a bad trip in 2004 supporting Blink-182. Nevertheless, The Kinison show a lot of promise for the future. The first band to be signed to Travis Barker's (Of Blink-182) label LaSelle Records, The Kinison must have showed promise to the drumming legend.
The album begins very fast paced, busrting through arguably the band's 3 best hits; "The Farm & The Girls", "Oh Boy That Girl Can Move" and "You'll Never Guess Who Died". These 3 songs set the way for the entire album, filling your head with catchy riffs accompanied by well-sung vocals and high-pitched screams. Not forgetting those infectious basslines either, which I still gladly humm along to on "You'll Never Guess Who Died".
We then speed through the new-age dance hits of “Lake Calmern is Full Now” and "American Collectables", guarenteed to get you in a cheery and dancing mood. The funky basslines compliment the harsh and over-distorted vibe of the guitar oh so well, and with Chris' intense vocals laid over the top, these songs sound so incredibly fast and fun.
"Every Genius Has Their Hang-Ups" has a certain ATD-I feel to it, with the effects on the lead guitar echoing into the background and Chris' vocals hard to work out over the music. It certainly doesn't hold the same energetic attribute as the previous songs, but it's a different kind of energetic feel from the band venturing out and experimenting, and it works well.
Next are 2 songs under 2 minutes each. "I Have Something To Say" is a heavy and angst-filled message, the only way I can classify it. The words "I have something to say" are screamed at such a volume throughout the song, and that's pretty much it. "You Kissed Lily" begins a lot more poppier than the previous song, with the drums being a big focus. But sadly, it fades out quickly, even though this had potential to be another fantastic song.
“Wild & Crazy Kids” is a slower track but still fast paced overall. The electronic introduction gives off the feel of more experimenting, and the single chord strums give the album more of a variety in tempo. "XOXOXO" is another amazing use of the bass, providing a bassline sure to get stuck in your head.
“No Talk” completes this incredible debut, sounding similar to the first track off the record. The guitars build up so well, and accompany those instantly recognisable vocals amazingly as well. Finally, there is a bonus track at the end to give the fans something to listen out for. The change of pace and slow beats make it a great album closer, considering it isn't legitimately the album closer. And the chorus is so crazy as well, with Chris screaming the most on the record in this song.
Most people will write this off as a terrible band who try to combine punky melodies with an indie-feel and almost hardcore vocal screaming. Yet beyond that is a record which manages to sneak into your player again and again. The continuous "ohs" and "yeahs" which are laced under the insanely fun songs get into your head, and you start singing along the next listen.
Now that At The Drive-In have departed, and rumours of The Blood Brothers stepping aside for side-projects are floating around the air, could The Kinison take their throne? It's highly unlikely, but if enough people give this record a chance, it's still a possability.
