EP Review: Kid Bird – Kid Bird

While the band may be based in Amsterdam, the new EP from Kid Bird comes from somewhere unexpected musically – and thrillingly so.

Their music is as classic and classy as their image – the latter comprising cool colours and sharp cuts – and once you get under the skin of the EP’s five songs, you can’t help but feel that both the songs and the band’s style choices come from a similar inspiration.

The quartet – Thomas on vocals, Menno on guitar, Maurits on bass, and Hessel on drums – finds itself immersed in the 60s garage and blues of the UK and also in the classic indie sounds of the 90s and 00s.  

Setting their stall out on Southbound Train, Kid Bird quickly establish the mix of 60s and 90s sounds that form the twin strands that run through the EP. Its mix of garage and indie rock is one that is also present in Blueberry Hill, as both songs employ classic rock and roll imagery in the lyrics, as well as tight, tension-filled arrangements.

As a centrepiece for the EP, Surf Rock is superb – Link Ray style riffs kick in after the indie jangle of the intro. It’s where you hear the surf rock influences on the band at their maximum effect, even as the vocals shift the tone of the song towards something decidedly romantic. You can tell this track is one that rocks audiences in a live setting; it’s so full of energy.

With Baby Minor, the vocals hit a very Britpop note, even as the lead guitar effortlessly treads a line between Britpop and classic rock, finding an increasing role within the track as it sets the emotional tone of the arrangement.

Mood-wise, the EP finishes on a romantic, bittersweet note, with that 60s beat pop of Fools’ Haze getting ready to break hearts with some smooth vocal harmonies and a melody that doesn’t push the emotion of the vocals and lyrics.

It shows the band are adept at mixing up their sound to showcase their songwriting to its best. I imagine that there was a temptation to go down the indie banger route here, and the song would certainly work that way too; but presenting it to the listener as a slow-burning ballad is incredibly effective. The build in the last minute is heartbreaking and skilfully done.

The balance of Kid Bird is what makes it stand out; being based on familiar sources puts the EP at risk of sounding retro. And yet the band offer their own voice and vision by harnessing those elements and making them feel exciting and new.      

Kid Bird is out now and can be heard on Spotify. The band is gigging in the Amsterdam area – for information on that and more listening options for the music, follow Kid Bird on Instagram.