I'm a bit late to the partie, but Black Kids, who released one of my favourite albums of all time in 2008 ('Partie Traumatic') released a new album last year called 'Rookie'.

 

It didn't seem to get much coverage or press at the time and it seems that the reason why is because it is... well, not very good. I've listened to it three times through now and it's just not getting my attention at all. I don't mind 'Iffy' and there is definitely potential there in a few songs but overall I'm really disappointed. It's all very samey and it seems to be missing the creativity and spark which made their first album one of my favourites. Here are a few of the new tracks:

 

'Iffy'

 

'In a Song'

 

Obligatory Drugs

 

 

And for comparison, here is my favourite track on the first album from ten years ago.

 

'Hurricane Jane'

"Hurricane Jane" is incredible. WHAT a throwback! Thanks for the reminder. "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance with You" was also life affirming :wub:

I have that single on vinyl!

I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend is one of my absolute all time faves of that ilk, what an absolute tune in every sense :wub:

My fave of theirs is actually 'Look At Me (When I Rock Wichoo)'! 'I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend' is such a jam too though.

 

I listened to 'Iffy' a while back and it was, well, iffy :lol: Not bad but didn't leave me wanting more. In fairness I'm just glad to see they eventually came back.

It's growing on me but I think that's more due to confirmation bias than anything else, aha.

I've got both the “Hurricane Jane” and “I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You” CD singles back from when Exeter had not one but TWO record shops (HMV and Zavvi) - I must have lost interest by the time “Look at Me (When I Rock Wichoo)” came out because I never bought that nor the album. I remember Pitchfork hyping them up massively then giving their debut a 3.3 with no write-up and just a sad puppy with a sorry and a sad face. God I hate Pitchfork.

Pitchfork didn't even review this one - I can't imagine it would've been too encouraging mind you. I've listened to it plenty of times and although there are some promising moments in the first half, the second half is pretty dire and the overall quality isn't fantastic. Too many samey, impersonal and dispassionate songs asking: "do you love me?!?!" ):