The Kanz land on our radar with their ambitious first full album, Alienation Party.
By Graeme Smith
In Alienation Party, The Kanz have set their sights on no less than a redefinition of pop punk. It’s quite an ambition. Pop punk is traditionally a genre quite set in its ways. Can it really be redefined?
Turns out it can, and in their new album, the London-based trio do precisely that. By injecting elements of electronica into anthemic pop punk arrangements, we get something that feels fresh and operatic. Passionate vocals give us plenty of expression, bringing to life the stories of its fourteen tracks.
Highlights include the fist-pumping choruses of Augmented Reality, the gentle introspection of Blossom, the quick-fire, folk-infused verses of Cute but Psycho, the outrageous Freak Show, the passionate Indelible, the soft and timeless Save Your Life, and the pulsating, driving You Messed Me Up.
There’s an irresistible energy and charisma about The Kanz. Their sound feels both original and familiar and the work they’ve put into each track on their new album is clear. It’s simply beautiful.
If you’re London-based, you get a chance to catch The Kanz life at The Troubadour on 2 May 2025 where the band will be hosting a release party for the album. CD copies and other merch will be available. You can get your tickets here.
Alienation Party is out now and you can give it a listen below.