2.2 Kid Life
"Villains"
CD
Ionik
Recordings
Genres: indie pop, lo-fi
Ionik
130 S 22nd St 2F
Philadelphia PA
19103
Oct 4 - 10 2004 |
With all of the songs around four minutes long, and only one person
responsible for all but one song, it's clear Villains is not about
straying from formula. Why should it be? 2.2 Kid Life's
last album, The Escape Artist, was one of the best lo-fi discs
to come out in ages, and its most impressive aspect was its
consistently pretty, simple arrangement style. Despite that,
it's not unreasonable to yearn for a bit more from Villains -
as pleasant as these songs are, you'll have a hard time singling out
particular tracks when all is said and done. 2.2 Kid Life's Frank Longano has a unique approach to
his craft, lending his songs a sweet, melodic depth that recalls Terror
Twilight era Pavement. Guitar and vocals are in the
foreground, while the rest of the sound is made up of drum machine
beats and electronic atmospheres. The style is very sensitive,
with lots of echoing guitar and keyboard, as well as lush
vocals. On certain songs ("When the World Is at Your Feet,
Part 2," "Was I a Reckless Driver"), we seem to move
towards slowcore territory (Low, Mojave 3), while other
tracks are cheerier and more uplifting ("Radiopaque,"
"How I Saved Western Culture.") Longano
relies on electronic beats to give life to his songs; for example,
"A Shadow Falls" would simply be a shimmering, folk-tinged
pop tune if it weren't for the punching beat that carries the
chorus. The 2.2 Kid Life style certainly has its
influences and similarities, but its typical feel is definitely
unique.
Villains isn't as original and moving as Longano's
last album, but it is still a fine bit of bedroom lo-fi.
Although many of these songs will require repeated listens before they
stick, patience will unearth some of 2.2 Kid Life's pop
gems.
84%
Matt Shimmer [Vitals:
10 tracks, distributed by the
label, released 2004] |
