Image credit: @ronmcquade on Instagram
A lot’s changed since I first stumbled across KickBoy back in May 2022. The Bristolian trio gained two additional members, along with a whole lot of London-led polish on their already distinctive sound.
Their self-perception has shifted too, as the five-piece now champion their unique brand of goofy, bright and chaotic post-punk as milk-punk. Naturally, that moniker might raise more questions than it answers – but listen to Anxious Party People and you’ll find it fitting.
What remains from the band’s earlier work is an undeniably vivid sense of character – driven chiefly through its appropriately worrisome and stumbling lyrics. It’s the core of the track that every other supporting spindle juts out of. It should come as no surprise that frontman Jamie penned the track when the hectic streets of the capital were still fresh to him.
The delivery of said lyrics is equally fitting: together, they make for a track that reeks of self-doubt, exhaustion and trepidation. It’s a bold ambition that they’ve managed to fulfil with their unique brand of cheerful nihilism.
At first, the sound itself marries up to that world view perfectly: a sludgy and bold bass riff welcomes you nervously. But that’s a mere preview of what KickBoy’s sound has become: think of a swell of brass, synth and effects aplenty that offer a track that ultimately defies expectations – or classification, for that matter.
It’s a track that, frankly, defies articulation. Do yourself a favour: give yourself three minutes of headspace and take in it, chaos and all.
Though the band has come on leaps since their debut track, Portland From Streetview, their sense of identity has only grown. And that’s a huge credit to the quintet: to have an established identity and ungovernable sound at this early stage will only help them stand out – especially when any artist that borders on post-punk risks walking on already established ground.
Explore the track for yourself and, if you’re based in London, grab tickets for the band’s intimate single launch show at The Slaughtered Lamb tonight. Then, head over to KickBoy’s socials to keep track of their upcoming dates and future releases, including their Ick Boy EP. And check out our Instagram, too.