Black Kids
Partie Traumatic
Columbia/Almost Gold
By Kevin Hakansson
Based on the buzz surrounding the Black Kids' Partie Traumatic, it would stand to reason that the record was being released by a band with at least a little bit of status. The group's first single, "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You," has been making the rounds since late spring, and the Kids felt like they were part of the same crop of British dance rock bands that includes Bloc Party, Interpol, et al. However, if you share any of the above misconceptions, think again.
Jacksonville’s The Black Kids formed in 2006. Yes, just two years ago. And no, they’re not British; while they did records their debut record at West Heath Studios across the pond, they’re from friggin’ Florida, not exactly known as an indie rock mecca. Feel free to scoff at the age (or lack thereof) of this band, but know this: the buzz that Partie Traumatic received was warranted.
While The Black Kids have proven there’s a reason why Rolling Stone named them one of their ten artists to watch in 2008, Partie Traumatic isn’t exactly the type of record that’s necessarily going to grab each listener right off the bat. Frontman Reggie Youngblood’s vocals are a bit startling: they’re high pitched, a little whiny, and might make it tough for listeners to make it all the way through the opening “Hit the Heartbrakes.”
It doesn’t take long for The Black Kids to hit their stride, though. “Partie Traumatic” and “Listen to Your Body Tonight” both follow “Heartbrakes,” and sound as though they’re potential club staples. They’re also both synth-heavy, to say the least; the band employs not one, but two synth players: Youngblood’s sister Ali Youngblood, and Dawn Watley. The two ladies lay down synth lines and backup vocals, alternating between playing both independently and in unison throughout the record.
Reggie Youngblood’s voice proves to be an acquired taste. If you can make it past the opener, you’re in for a treat. He turns into a crooner on “Hurricane Jane,” the record’s second single. When Reggie transitions back to his introductory howl during the song’s “It’s Friday night, and I ain’t got nobody” chorus, it’s less grating, a littler easier to swallow. He and his band prove themselves to be rather versatile on “I’m Making Eyes At You,” a twee love song.
“I’ve Underestimated My Charm (Again)” is the band’s best attempt at pseudo-stoner indie rock, before a bouncy outro leads to an all dance ending to the record. The aforementioned “Boyfriend” is one of the hottest songs on rock radio; “Love Me Already” is a seemingly sincere plea; and “I Wanna Be Your Limousine” is the bumpin-est song here. “Look At Me (When I Rock Wichoo)” is the album’s latest single, and it’s appropriately festive closer.
After a few listens, it seems The Black Kids’ ten track debut record has no throwaways. Count up the songs mentioned here, and, yep, you’ll find ‘em all there. Boy, it seems like just about every record you throw on the ol’ turntable at least has one or two you find yourself skipping, but not Party Traumatic. Whether any band could keep up such a pace for any extended period of time is debatable, but hey, this isn’t a bad start.
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