Kingcaid’s new album, Colorblind Quarterback was released 6 March 2026 and consists of eleven catchy new indie rock songs.

By Eleanor Banyard

Michael Kingcaid originally was part of the 2002 rock group, What Made Milwaukee Famous, which produced hits played at Lollapalooza and on popular shows such as Gilmore Girls. With this solo project, Kingcaid brings all his previous experience and continues the indie rock vibe with sarcastic but deep lyrics paired with energetic instrumentals.

Ain’t That Nice is the first song listed on the album, beginning with a catchy rock instrumental consisting of guitar riffs and heavy drums shortly followed with the addition of sardonic lyrics. This introduction to the album parallels the rest of the tracks, where evocative words are paired alongside drums and unique melodies.

Kingcaid’s lyrics are deeply profound despite the energetic instrumentals behind them. There is a mix of topics and themes, highlighting Kingcaid’s versatile writing, from moral lessons with “you miss all the chances you don’t take. You’re never gonna learn if you don’t make mistakes” in the song Drop That Man, to edgy phrases such as “What makes you think I’m a monster? Don’t we all have teeth?” in the track Monster.

The last two tracks, titled Chased by Shadows and Why, have a different tone to the rest of the album, with a sadder more melancholic vibe matched with softer and quieter instrumentals. The dual focus of the album with both heavy and energetic rock to deep and emotive lyrics highlights Kingcaid’s ability to create differing music.

This sadder tone mixes well with the rest of the album, where the listener travels along a narrative arc through the album, from upbeat to sorrowful songs. Sad phrases such as “Unsafe and unsound, I let it all come unwound. I could feel something following me. Chased by shadows” in Chased by Shadows adds to this element of raw human emotions.

The duality of the album allows for a mix of listeners to align with Kingcaid’s work, whether they are fans of heavy beats and catchy instrumentals or lovers of relatable lyrics.

Kingcaid’s new album, Colorblind Quarterback, reveals a variety of messages and emotions throughout the collection, often with sarcastic yet deep lyrics. The instrumentals of the songs add to the indie rock genre with prevalent guitar riffs and loud drums, creating Kingcaid’s signature style of bright melodies with deep commentary.

Colorblind Quarterback is out now, and you can listen to it below.