ARMS - Kids Aflame
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Hey, remember when we…hey, remember when you said…hey, remember that time when she…hey, remember that woman who…I’ll never forget the time…
These are the types of thoughts running through your head when listening to Kids Aflame. It’s an album full of reflective songs about the troubles and faults of man, with an air of hope buried in the jangle of acoustic strumming and the distorted electric guitars. The man behind ARMS, Harlem Shakes guitarist Todd Golstein, sings with a nonchalant inflection that is both endearing and infectious, turning these songs into intimate vignettes about heartbreak and abstract looks at happiness. Kids Aflame makes a case for the ability of heartbreak and other melancholic songs to provide just enough intimacy to be a source of solace.
The album is characterized by a familiar sound, like those records you forgot but then revisit one afternoon only to have a pleasant old emotion reawakened in a euphoric recollection of some past event. From the rustic, studied imperfection of the alt country elements to the jabs of Britpop and late ‘80s indie rock-style guitar riffs to the subtle influence of ‘60s pop, Goldstein has crafted an eclectic mix of songs with Kids Aflame. Songs such as “Whirring” and “Pocket” display the jangly, acoustic, indie pop rock that’s neither too produced nor too cloying, the kind just rough enough around the edges to suggest these songs have been unearthed from a chest in the attic upstairs. It’s the type of record that reminds you that humans still make music, not computers: it’s rough, it’s not perfect, but you forget any imperfections with songs like these.
Kids Aflame has been out for quite some time, but had only been released in the UK. It is finally being released in the U.S. today through Gigantic Music.
For those that missed it, check out Mixtape Muse's post on the title track, including a download of the song here.
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