Kicks

When 1990s released their debut album Cookies in 2007, they were celebrated as proponents of infectious, effervescent indie rock. Perhaps it’s an indication of how quickly the scene changes and how disposable bands have become, then, that the trio were so easily forgotten. Their sound was enjoyable but ultimately throwaway, and the departure of original bassist Jamie McMorrow later the same year surely signalled a death-knell for the Glasgow band.
What’s most surprising is that not only have 1990s made a second album, but they’ve made one that surpasses that debut in terms of maturity and depth. Perhaps it can be attributed to new member Michael McGaughrin, who seems to have brought the sound of Postcard Records with him. Although their usual influences are still apparent (Stones, T.Rex, The Who), there are several tracks that lean towards the warm melodic jangle of Orange Juice and Aztec Camera – surprising for a band who based their ‘rock ‘n’ soul’ sound on bombastic, jagged riffs, but not all that much of a shock when you consider that the Bernard Butler-produced album was recorded in Edwyn Collins’s London studio.
The pervasive pop bassline and pensive melody of ‘59’ is gorgeous, as is ‘Balthazar’s new wave vibe and the Richard Hawley-like ‘Local Science’. Fear not, though, there are still plenty of tunes that kick out the jams, most notably ‘Kickstrasse’ (featuring Kate Jackson from The Long Blondes), ‘The Box’ and the lighthearted ‘Tell Me When You’re Ready’. An unexpectedly convincing second effort.

Key Track: 'Balthazar'