Even though
Rock Kills Kid
have always claimed
the Cure
as an influence, spins through their prior EP showed the
alternative rockers
to be seemingly more familiar with the likes of
Jimmy Eat World
. At the time,
only appeared as a mild undercurrent to their distinctive
rock
, but now that the entire band lineup has since altered save for its primary songwriter, singer/guitarist
Jeff Tucker
, well,
seem to have become way more acquainted with
Robert Smith
and company. But they don't blatantly wear this influence on their sleeves -- for every instance of nocturnal brooding, a lively dance step (i.e.,
"Paralyzed,"
"Midnight"
) is close behind. Much of the album stems from
Tucker
's experiences as a socially withdrawn teen that continued into near isolation following the aforementioned EP's release. It got to the point that for a few years he was illegally squatting in a recording studio, constantly writing songs and rarely venturing outside. As such,
Are You Nervous?
is a moody, dark-edged effort where
often sounds like a young
Bono
fronting a band sonically similar to a less synth-reliant
Communique
or more subdued version of
the Killers
. Tracks are dotted with both attitude and hints of swagger and
new wave
dramatics as the album runs on
's mature, soothing vocals, which give him -- and the overall record -- a contented and seasoned feel, even if
Nervous
is technically their first full-length. The airy
"Hideaway"
parallels
Coldplay
's more uplifting moments, while the moving,
Editors-esque
"Back to Life"
is an unhurried moment that finds
moving forward from the seclusion that previously filled his life. Tapping into the
post-punk
dance craze,
"Hope Song"
even more clearly (as the title suggests) represents the album's underlying hopeful and redemptive nature amid its otherwise solemn realms.
seem to have found their musical niche, and as a result,
is a wonderfully satisfying late-night treat from a band just really getting started. ~ Corey Apar