Labels: Doghouse
Review by: Andy Malcolm
This actually came out a while before the album, but the Get Up Kids are cool, they haven’t put any new stuff out since that album, and I’ve only just been able to get this so here’s a review anyway.
The Kids get a bit of stick from a few in the ‘scene’ for being very direct with their personal lyrics, and some people don’t like this, labelling them as frauds who are just in it for the money. Various interviews I’ve seen would indicate otherwise, but hey, you always get a few people who are upset that a band they don’t rate gets popular, and then take it a bit beyound the pale with their actions. Apparently, someone made a hate-zine about the band. I think it’s quite sad that some people are driven to such lengths, after all, it’s only music and if you don’t like, don’t listen, let others enjoy.
Erm, back to the review. This 2 track 7″ features songs that are not on the album, “Woodson” and “Second Place”. Anyone who hasn’t checked the band out and is still waiting will find it an ideal taster, and fans who haven’t got it yet will find it ideal as it’s more of that same sort of blitzing emo rocking pop punk that is on the album. Fast, melodic and with those powerfully explosive guitars. The vocals on “Woodson” sound a little different, they are a little rawer, and not so sweet. Which perhaps fits the lyrical style which, and this will come as no shock at all to GUK fans, is about a failing relationship.
“Second Place” is awesome. Just turn it up loud and the singing really cuts into you. Easily as good as the album tracks, mainly because although it follows a similar style, it’s slightly differently structured, even throwing in some handclaps.
One of my favourite bands, and this does nothing but strengthen their position.