Next level is a term I use when identifying the extra special. Next-level talent is something instantaneously obvious. As I listened to Faith Crisis Pt. 1 by Middle Kids, it was obvious their music is next level. Thirteen songs in length, their new album sets a speed and takes off. For this LP, Middle Kids took a trip from their Australian homeland and headed to the UK.
Middle Kids feel at home in the upper tempo side of things. ‘Petition’ for example is a short, sweet ride of rock n roll bliss. Keeping the energy on tap is ‘Dramamine’ with its bright chords and dairy-sweet backing vocals.
Tempo changes to the driving anthemic ways of the album are provided by tracks ‘Bend’, ‘Bootleg Firecracker’ and ‘All In My Head’. Their slower tempo delivery adds emotive weight and showcases their range. Upbeat or slow and trudging, Middle Kids dominate all terrain.
“I actually wrote [‘All In My Head’] many years ago, and it’s always felt very special, but I’ve never really known what to do with it. It used to be a big full-band song, but when we stripped it back to just me and the piano, I could see it for what it was. This song started as a jangly indie song but became a piano ballad. Maybe one day we’ll release the guitar version. But we stripped it back to bring out the lyrics more. It’s about a time when I was younger and just felt so confused about myself, about life, all of it. The seeds of Faith Crisis pt 1 were there. We recorded it on our piano at home, a German Sauter upright which has a warm intimate sound that we love. The decision to ask Dave Le’aupepe (Gang of Youths) to sing on the song was easy, he is an old friend and his voice stuns at a soul level. His vocals brought even more character to the song,” explains Joy, “I like the idea of ending Faith Crisis Pt 1 with the question ‘is it all in my head?’ Because of course, it is.”
Hannah Joy of Middle Kids
An absolute highlight of the album is ‘Philosophy’. Again, bright sounds reign supreme with the grandiosity of a traveling monarch. The thick crunch of the distorted guitar takes me back to fighting a seether in 1994. Her vocals and the chime of the clean guitar dance like two lovers in the middle of a busy restaurant. This single is all curves and no breaks, stopping only once its destination is reached. Enjoy the ride.
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