Review by MIRI
After watching Killdren perform live at last year’s LOUD WOMEN Fest I jumped at the opportunity to review their latest album release, Illuminaughty. The duo’s fourth album is an inimitable combination of brutal satire, punky vocals and full-on rave music which contains 10 original songs plus four remixes from Gullyteen, Freddy Frogs, Amousement and Obese.
One of my favourite tracks is the lead single and album opener, ‘Tough at The Top’. A perfect introduction. The captivating melody and lyrics,
‘You don’t have to worry, we’re making lots of money”
is effortlessly and smoothly sung by band member Efa over a hard and thumping rave beat, drawing the listener in.
Each track is a flawless and accurate political and social commentary about the UK and the negative societal effects derived from its Conservative government, amplifying the corruption and injustice whilst steadily dropping a dark yet truthful humour in parts. Without wanting to give too much away, ‘DNR’ (Do Not Resuscitate) tells the story of the dilemma of whether to resuscitate a man who is out canvassing for the Conservative & Unionist party accompanied with a spacey musical backdrop.
‘Jobsworth’ calls out those who uphold petty rules for a system that does not care about the many. The lyrics warn to not be a jobsworth, “If you see someone stealing baby formula” or “If you see someone stopping an eviction” drumming in the message “People come first”. A message that has sadly been set adrift in today’s society.
The remixes are not just there for show. Each track is quality. Freddy Frog’s remix of ‘Tough At The Top’ is slightly reminiscent of ‘Brown Paper Bag’ by Roni Size, providing a summer feel with beautifully arranged trumpets which add to its breezy atmos whilst the listener is kept in check with the intensity of the vocal performance and subject matter. The same goes for the remix of ‘Know Your Enemy’ by Amousement. I love how this one begins. The background instrumental is melodically bewitching and had my ears hooked especially when the beat kicks in along with the vocal chorus.
This is an album you can listen to from start to finish and had me wanting to create a mini rave in my living room. No need to skip a track. They all served and left me feeling satisfied and full. I could easily hear sections of each song feature in a film or a dystopian drama like ‘Years & Years.’ I look forward to listening to ‘Illuminaughty; during the winter months.
As the cost of living/corruption shows no signs of letting up; this is the ultimate soundtrack, speaking out with force whilst providing a voice for those who may feel voiceless and a sonic space for its audience to feel frustration and rage cooperatively.
‘Illuminaughty’ is out now direct from Killdren’s Bandcamp page and also via all major streaming and retail outlets.
