Partie Traumatic

by

Black Kids

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I find it funny how Black Kids can put out a great EP that critics rave over, then nine months later they release that same EP with slightly higher production values and few similar sounding songs, those same critics can be found trashing the record.

To me, it seems like it was cool to like the Black Kids when no one had heard of them, but as soon as they became the next big thing, critics couldnt wait to drop them. They'll blame the production values or the non-EP songs for the change in opinion, but objectively speaking, this album does not stray that far from their EP and the early negative reviews are more likely due to reviewers wanting to keep their rep than anything.

For me 'Partie Traumatic' reminds me of 'Hot Fuss' by the Killers. Both albums are based on great raw sounding EPs and both consist of a few great singles connected by lesser, yet decent tracks. Yes the production is higher on this than on 'Wizard of Ahhs', but its not a deal breaker by any means. Yes, the lyrics are a bit silly at times, but to me, bands like this serve the purpose of making fun, danceable music, rather than deep contemplative compositions. And here, they serve that purpose well.

If you like the Cure/New Wave/Dance then you will like this album. Its not super deep, but not incredibly shallow either, just a fun album by a band that critics/snobs are rebelling against right now

Somewhere between Wizard of Ahhhs and Partie Traumatic, Black Kids lost the knack for production that made their debut EP such an engaging listen. While the songwriting remains solid on their debut LP, the album possesses a glossy sheen of production that is ill at ease among the band's skittish pop. The reworkings of Wizard of Ahhhs tracks all pale in comparison to their original counterparts, which had a darker, hazier vibe that was much more appealing for Black Kids' brand of anthemic pop. The new songs are all musically equivalent to the excellent material culled from Wizard of Ahhhs, but again the overproduction drags the arrangements down into a pristene sea of drab, cookie-cutter sound. The vocals don't fare well in this new production style, either, as Black Kids lead singer Reggie Youngblood takes on a haggard yelp with the treble levels on the record mixed so high.

However, Partie Traumatic still manages to be an enjoyable record. Ultimately, working with a professional producer hurt the band's sound, and though Partie Traumatic is by no means a bad listen, it doesn't meet the expectations created by the bands excellent debut EP. However, for fans of funky, anthemic pop, there will certainly be something to like.