Florida five-piece Black Kids made a massive splash with their 2007 demo Wizard of Ahhhs , which garnered rave reviews in the UK and USA for its infectious energy and youthful joie de vivre. Commandeering former Suede guitarist Bernard Butler as their producer, the band now present their debut album, Partie Traumatic . All the songs from the EP are present, albeit freshly revamped versions, and are joined by new songs that maintain the group's ardent party spirit. Lead vocalist Reggie Youngblood’s yelping vocals--reminiscent of Dr Robert Smith--are matched to a sound that's part Arcade Fire, part Franz Ferdinand in its mix of arching melodies, catchy hooks, and shiny disco-electro synths. Much of the album is aimed squarely at the dancefloor, with songs like the soaring "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You,” "I've Underestimated My Charm (Again)," the pulsing “I Wanna Be Your Limousine” and the title track qualifying as bonafide anthems. As the record wears on, its relentlessly upbeat nature can begin to feel like you're being smacked over the head with a drum machine, though gentler tunes such as “I'm Making Eyes At You” serve to break things up a little. And while the soundtrack is a modernist mish-mash of everything you've heard before, Youngblood’s lyrics have a surprising air of originality, and contain some genuine pearls of wisdom. Like 'em or loathe 'em, chances are you'll be singing along to the Black Kids a lot this summer.
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