Smiley Kids
Don't Get Bored
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
These kids fill up this disc with tons o fun. It starts off with a hilarious dramatization about some angry neighbors, who tell the rehearsing band to, "turn it down!" While fun to listen to, the music is nothing to laugh at. Those of you who heard the single "Fill The Gaps" from last issue's HM Hard Music Sampler CD will be able to attest that these four guys can lay down some hefty sounds. The gang vocals and tasty distorted guitars remind me of The Blamed. Smiley Kids are into diversity, though. "Plants Are Dying" sounds wo-oh-oh-so close to The Ramones, while "Frowney Clowney" flirts with ska upbeats. The guitar in "Love Your Enemies" even takes an emo and melodic rock approach, while the vocals could be more associated with pop punk. Comparisons to Dogwood would not be too far off here. In light of all the fun and diversity are some heartfelt lyrics. Calls to unity, love, perseverance and pure speech comfortably find themselves alongside an invitation to skateboard down a killer hill. These guys are fun, and they're the real deal.