Moving mountains with a captivating delivery that follows in the similar footsteps of groundbreaking artists like Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers and Of Monsters And Men, the Ft. Lauderdale-based quartet Kids finally ring in the New Year with Rich Coast, a breathtaking effort that brings justice to their simplistic, yet powerful style. After releasing their highly acclaimed EP in 2013, Sink Or Swim, the band now embarks on an innovative and artistically worthwhile journey that will further set the stage for what may be in store for their future aspirations, by crafting together a debut full-length that establishes their ground—all while bringing to life a blissful arrangement that sets them apart from the rest.
What truly separates Rich Coast apart from many folk-influenced indie records that I’ve recently stumbled across nowadays is the fascinating way in which Kids incorporates an atmospheric sense of imagination into simplistic harmonies. Not only do these instrumental qualities shine throughout this record, it goes without saying that the band’s emotionally-fueled delivery can be truly reflected through the heartwarming energy that they convey from start to finish.
Within the moment this record beings with “Man On The Moon,” it is evident to feel overwhelmed with comforting sensations of complete joy. Embodied with a free-spirited personality within the first half of this album, the heart of Rich Coast genuinely beats from stand-alone songs like the album’s leading single, “Love’s Song,” and the electronically animated “Second Star On The Right.”
While Rich Coast is a breathing entity of its own that celebrates the expressive freedoms of breaking the mold from the traditional queues of modern indie rock and folk, you can also sense that Kids have taken shape from many iconic influences of our time, yet molding themselves into a shape to call their own.
For instance, from the opening note of deep cuts like “Pave Paradise,” you cannot help but draw immediate comparisons to Vampire Weekend’s smashing, and top-tapping single, “Giving Up The Gun,” while on other tracks like “The Standoff” and “Lone,” would make you sense as if the band is practically walking in the shadow of Young The Giant. It’s not to say that Kids are, in fact, striving to make attempts to recollect a similar style as these previously mentioned acts, however; it is quite simple to categorize the group into a particular style based on these easily recognizable comparisons.
Enlightening listeners with a beautifully articulated persona that is brought to life through vividly intense passion and sincere musicianship, Rich Coast is a record that will truly revive your wondrous infatuation with the modern indie folk genre. For those who find themselves clinging onto the charming intensity of contemporary masterpieces like Sigh No More, The Lumineers and Young The Giant, Rich Coast is another wondrous album to definitely add to your list.
In A Word: Vibrant
