pretty decent music bordering between pop punk and slowish power pop. some of this reminds me of early man dingo, while other songs are somewhat bracket-ish (well, not nearly that good, of course). the melodies are nice, and the songs are memorable. i kind of don't like the vocals, but they're decent, i suppose. it's mainly slow to mid-tempo, but there are a few faster cuts, which i think are the better ones. lyrically they're kind of vague and personal, which i guess works okay for this type of music. i think i'll actually keep this one.
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #89Reviewed by Doug Van PeltGo ahead and write this down: Anything Salad Dressing puts out is quality. Watch, now the label will get all arrogant, stop listening for something new, and start signing bands they feel sorry for! (Let's hope not!) The Kicker spanks out pure pop with a romping punk rock swagger. It's all good. And you'll love the wit, as in songs like "The Drummer," which urge the listener: "Someone shoot me.…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Brian A. SmithAt first listen, I was ready to dismiss The Kicker as just another pop/punk band that sounds like everything else on the radio, without anything that would make them stand out. Not bad, definitely listenable, but nothing special. Then I gave the CD a second spin. Yes, there are the usual Ramones/Green Day influences here, but First Word, Last Place has some other voices heard here, primarily in…Similar sounding releases
1999Pep SquadYreka Bakery
1998Aunt BettysFord Supersonic
1993Asight UnseenHollywood Proverbs
1995PlankeyeThe Spark
2001Red Animal WarBreaking in an Angel
1994Candy MachineA Modest Proposal
