Riddlin' Kids, a band that you are more likely to hear about from word of mouth rather than a song on the radio or music video on MTV, even though this album did produce a single, they never were really that well recognized, which, as I see it, is a good thing because the media tends to destroy good bands. Riddlin' Kids are a pop-punk band that draw their influences from pop, punk, and according to their bio, metal and 80's as well. Riddlin' Kids are:
Clint Baker: Vocals, Guitar
Dustin Stroud: Guitar, Backing Vocals
Mark Johnson: Bass
David Keel: Drums
And without any furter introduction, my review.
Instrumental: The instrumental work on this album is where their punk and metal influences shine through. The guitars keep up a fast, energetic, consistant and catchy punk rock pace throughout the entire album. Some songs, such as Take, OK, Wasted Away, and Can't Think contain long, and metal influenced solos which never cease to amaze. One could assume that the soloing is where they draw their metal influences from. The bass is sometimes audible, sometimes not, but when it's heard, it certainly catches your attention. It's shining moments include a short bass breakdown in Crazy and an excellent line in the R.E.M. original, It's The End Of The World As We Know It and Wasted Away. The drumming is fast, furious, and very punk sounding in nearly every song, but is most ear catching in Can't Think and Nowhere To Run, where it begins the song. Overall, all of these elements combine to give you a solid 15 songs of guitar, bass, and drum work. I give the instrumental a 9/10.
Vocals: The vocals are where the pop influences are utilized. Clint has a very rough, yet very melodic voice that seems to seamlessly blend with the music. Every song seems to showcase Clints vocal capabilities, except for the song Faithful in which Dustin takes over in the lead. Very solid vocal work, 10/10
Lyrics: Although pop-punk, the lyrics seem to stray away from the traditional relationship issues subject matter every once in a while. Songs that deal with different ideas include Blind (anger), I Feel Fine (contentment), Take(expectations), and It's The End Of The World As We Know It (the title speaks for itself). The lyrics are very well written and are seemingly hole-free, but for the few songs that involve failed relationships as a major subject, I give the lyrics a 9/10
Standout Tracks: Crazy, Here We Go Again, See The Light, Blind, Nowhere To Run, Take, OK, Pick Up The Pieces, Can't Think, Wasted Away, It's The End Of The World As We Know It(where I assume their 80's influence comes in), and the bonus track that I don't know the name of
Overall, this album is full of excellent punk rock instrumental work, amazing vocals, ear catching lyrics, and an overall energetic and fast feel. Nearly always upbeat, this release is sure to delight nearly everyone. Definitely pick this up, and I would reccomend you get this before you get Stop The World.
