Pool Kids // Pool Kids

One of the best parts about the release by the Tallahassee, Florida based group is how you feel dropped into their world almost immediately. The songs crackle and pop. It’s irresistible to sing along to them.

Formed in 2017, the band turned heads when Paramore’s Hayley Williams mentioned their 2018 record, Music to Practice Safe Sex To on social media. With this self-titled second record, the song sound brawnier, more self-assured, and somehow even catchier.

“Conscious Uncoupling” clearly details a breakup, starting with moody atmospherics before breaking into crunchy, chugging chords. It’s a totally irresistible opener coupled with lead vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Christine Goodwyne’s powerful vocals. 

“That’s Physics, Baby” starts with a mathy, dizzying guitar part that eventually gives way to an anthemic chorus, while “Almost Always Better (Almost Always Worse)” follows the same second-wave emo influence of the track that proceeds it. It truly sounds great without ever sounding like a carbon-copy of that genre like so many have before. “Further” is a stormy ballad and “Swallow” sounds like it’s thisclose to becoming a radio hit. 

“Pathetic,” the album closer sounds like a preview of what’s to come. For almost three minutes it’s a quiet, pensive piece but then grows to become a stirring, crashing finale with Goodwyne’s soaring voice. It’s awesome, and it is a great snapshot of Pool Kids future. With Pool Kids this album shows that kids are alright - more than alright, really. 

- Brendan Hilliard, Obviate Media

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