Kiwi Jr’s “Cooler Returns” Released by Sub Pop Records
In the vast jungle of the music industry, there are many different genre animals roaming free and seemingly intermingling, giving birth to all kinds of mixed sounds that live very comfortably under its great canopy. Kiwi Jr are one such band and with their new album “Cooler Returns” they have delivered a blend of Jonathan Richman humour and Nada Surf obscurity that proudly jumps out at you from the trees only to scurry away into the distance to hide behind another one, ready or not!
Fun, abstract and not over filled with its own importance, the album bounces along with quick rifts and solid vocals that carry that sense of absurdity but delivered with skill and knowing. It’s serious, but it isn’t and taken in the context of today’s sometimes painful offerings ‘Cooler Returns’ finds a way to make you smile, make you glad you listened and put you on your guard for that next tree coming up, because Kiwi Jr are probably hiding behind it, waiting to jump out.
Music can sometimes take itself too seriously, but this album bends it over its knee and slaps it, if only for a listen or two, but hopefully with more to come, because in my humble opinion we are more in need of a smile than we have ever been.
REVIEW BY LLOYD WAKELING
COOLER RETURNS TRACK LISTING
1. Tyler
2. Undecided Voters
3. Maid Marian’s Toast
4. Highlights of 100
5. Only Here for a Haircut
6. Cooler Returns
7. Guilty Party
8. Omaha
9. Domino
10. Nashville Wedding
11. Dodger
12. Norma Jean’s Jacket
13. Waiting in Line
FOLLOW KIWI JR
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago and married my childhood sweetheart and life is good.
