Three-piece band Middle Kids from Sydney Australia bring us their second album ‘Today We’re The Greatest’ the follow up to their first award winning album from 2018 ‘Lost Friends’. Middle Kids comprises lead singer/songwriter Hannah Joy, multi-instrumentalist Tim Fitz and drummer Harry Day. This album was recorded and produced by Lars Stalfors (Soccer Mommy and St Vincent).
Opening track ‘Bad Neighbours’ starts with a beautiful guitar melody, the song is stripped back and raw, the lyrics are deep and meaningful “just when i’m breaking free, I can’t quite hold it together”. This song provides a strong introduction to the album. ‘Questions’ the second single released to coincide with the release of the album particularly stands out to me, starting off ambiently and tackling personal problems like not being able to trust someone; the lyrics are wonderfully written, full of metaphors and double meanings. Although this song starts off relatively quiet it quickly turns into something massive, it’s clear why this song was picked as a single for ‘Today We’re The Greatest’.
Track 5 ‘Lost in Los Angeles’ is another song that I particularly enjoyed; it is full of emotion both in the lyrics and how the instruments are played, true to the title this track is about being lost, “where are you now?” A shout out to that kick drum that comes in around 1:30, it adds so much depth you can almost hear it resonating through the recording studio. ‘I Don’t Care’ brings a much different vibe and is more indie rock in style compared to some of the other tracks; this song is about not caring what other people think and just doing something because you want to “I don’t fucking care, I gotta do what I want to” Hannah screams in the chorus. ‘I Don’t Care’ is angry and relatable in the best way, and that guitar solo is very welcome indeed. The final track on the album ‘Today We’re The Greatest’ has to be another one of my favourites, a lovely chord progression, the song is almost ballad-like, with lyrics written like poetry “the world is a silent place where nothing ever stops” “time is eroding, but I see the magic in the moment”. A perfect ending to the album, this song reminds us to enjoy each moment while it lasts.
A couple of honourable mentions have to be 1st single ‘R U 4 Me’ a faster paced song, that changes the mood of the album, about “feeling far apart from the people that are nearest”. Track 2 ‘Cellophane’ has a really cool bass line and a very catchy chorus, with a genuinely eclectic use of different instruments, which has been skilfully mixed and produced so it doesn’t sound overcrowded or mis-matched.
‘Today We’re The Greatest’ is another triumph by Middle Kids, with a perfect mix of foot tapping catchy joyous songs and vulnerable, barrier breaking songs which draw from the artists personal experiences. I highly recommend giving this album a listen if you’re in the mood to be taken on an exciting journey.