After a surprise encounter with prolific producer John Feldman led to spontaneous writing sessions abroad, Blitz Kids vocalist Joe James began laying down the foundations for what was to eventually become the bandÔÇÖs brilliant new studio album. ÔÇÿThe Good YouthÔÇÖ was recorded out in LA during the early part of 2013 and is the result of the band finally finding the right direction for their music to go in.
The aesthetic of the album is far more positive that their previous efforts. Guitarist Jono Yates has described the record as a snapshot of the band at the time. Their evident happiness at the successful song writing process this time around permeates every track on the record. Dripping in sun-drenched melodies, their energetic live sound becomes even more uplifting in hard copy. Gone are the days of their devil-may-care approach and in place is a more serious and streamlined version of the band that gave us 2011ÔÇÖs ÔÇÿVagrants and VagabondsÔÇÖ.
Opening track ÔÇÿAll I Want Is EverythingÔÇÖ is packed with gang vocals and an atmospheric melody that could establish the alt-rockers at the forefront of the genre. Similar to Mallory Knox, whoÔÇÖve theyÔÇÖd toured with in the past, Blitz KidsÔÇÖ newly stylish songs still have substance of heavier acts. Despite pop and dubstep moments, thematically the record is quite dark in places. Topics such as addiction and grief are dealt with in the lyrics, but frontman Joe James aimed to put a positive spin on any troubling content in order to create an inspiring and hopeful record.
ÔÇÿThe Good YouthÔÇÖ is indeed a light at the end of an uncertain passage of time for the band. Track ÔÇÿThe Sound Of A Lost GenerationÔÇÖ bears the refrain ÔÇÿhereÔÇÖs to our futureÔÇÖ, a sentiment that we should all be raising our glasses to. Blitz Kids appear to have something unique to offer us, and songs like ÔÇÿPerfectÔÇÖ show how contrived negativity and rock music need not go hand in hand. There is plenty to smile about where this excellent album is concerned.