The Idiot Kids are an American punk trio who have just hit my radar thanks to the release of their new, DIY album. Ruminating on the trauma religion has inflicted on those in the queer community, it’s called Chapels.
By Graeme Smith
The coronavirus pandemic took a lot away from all of us, but one thing it did give some of us back was time. The Idiot Kids used this time learning how to record and mix, so when they finally broke free from lockdown, they set about putting together their own album, recorded in basements and remote cabins. The result is Chapels.
The album opens with a short and bombastic Introduction that ramps up the tension before Your Machine gets us underway proper with high tempo and swaggering punk rock. Charismatic vocals star against a backdrop of chugging bass and drums with plenty of guitar licks. Together they are a truly engaging start.
Accidents brings with it some retro rock and roll blessed with some modern elements and relatable, angsty lyrics. Bedside keeps the tempo up with some relentless garage rock before White Flags gives us some rousing drums and a catchy guitar melody. Its bright and fiery style makes it a highlight.
Wilted Bloom sits at the heart of the album with some captivating storytelling in its lyrics. Reaching Out takes things in a darker and heavier direction before hitting a mesmerising psych groove. Movement injects a bit of blues into proceedings with its echoing and brooding composition. Its spoken word breakdown is another highlight.
Title track Chapels is the emotional core of the album. It slows things down with its lingering and introspective first verse before exploding into defiant life in the chorus. Quiet Game returns us to lively visceral punk rock. Spare Room is rumbling and reflective before exploding into a cathartic guitar solo. Obsession then closes the album with a no-holds-barred knees up. The trio leave it all there with another memorable highlight.
You can check out Chapels below.