poppedmusic

Kidsmoke – Rising Sun

Words: Rob Connor

6 Seconds! I timed it. The sleepy ethereal opening of Kidsmokes’ ‘Rising Sun’ is 6 seconds, before it hits you with a gut punch of a guitar riff and sets off like a whippet straight out of the traps. That 6 seconds is the only respite you’ll get on this psychedelic thrill ride, as the pace fails to relent for the next 3 minutes of indie perfection.

The track was produced by Coral alumni Bill Ryder-Jones and his influence can certainly be felt on the snarling guitar riff towards the tail end of the track, but there are also some slight echoes of Super Furry Animals and My Bloody Valentine in there too.

Don’t get me wrong, this is not some bog standard mid 90’s retro pastiche, ‘I don’t want to follow’ is a recurring refrain from Kidsmokes’ lead singer, Lance Williams and it would appear from this outing that Kidsmoke is a band of their word and are definitely cutting their own furrow here. Whilst parts of ‘Rising Sun’ are reassuringly familiar, the syncopated rhythm and sudden harmonious changes keep your ears from zoning out and leave it feeling fresh and unique.

Williams describes the track as being about pushing against what people expect of you, and this track is an unexpected delight. Kidsmoke have already been featured as a “Breaking Act” by The Sunday Times, as well as a support slot with Gaz Coombes of Supergrass fame and having a song featured in Black Mirror. Their debut album is coming next year and will no doubt be followed with tour dates. Keep your eyes and ears on them for 2019.

Listen to Rising Sun below: