Weird Kids

Often, with pop and rock, there is only so far you can push things and yet there is always room where you can be pleasantly surprised. It is hard to believe that within seemingly incessant touring schedules that We Are the In Crowd have had time to push themselves to an impressive extent and reach a new lever which none of their fans expected.

Upon hearing a sneak peak of the LP with "The Best Thing (That Never Happened)", you'd be forgiven for thinking that We Are the In Crowd had maybe peaked and used up all their ammo by putting out the best song first and too soon. However, although it is a stand out track, with it's playful, punchy, awesome vice, it is unable to be used to define what the 10 track album contains. Rather, the record's second song stands as a representation of what Weird Kids actually stands for, rather, what it's about.

The first track, "Long Live the Kids" is more of a build up of what is to come on later tracks. Starting off slow and somber, Taylor Jardine's vocals signifying strength and power in spite of melodic calm. Then it picks up. The guitars and drums kick off and we're thrown back into the pop-rock that we know and love.

The trademark 'call and response' style between Jardine and Jordan Eckes has not been forgotten and is rife in all its glory in "Manners". Conversing through lyrics and harmonies, Weird Kids does not disappoint in this respect. "Come Back Home" is another musical discussion, a moving and harmonious effect which gives Eckes his chance to shine. Although somewhat reminiscent lyrically of old favorite "Both Sides of the Story", this disagreement comes across as calmer and with more resolve than bitchiness in its considerations about growing up and moving on.

For a band mainly in their 20s, it's understandable that there is a lot of attention on nostalgia, memories and dreaming of the future. It's a sort of celebratory lyrical story which is common to many bands of this generation; fortunate in their endeavors.

With the hype We Are the In Crowd have gotten, it would have been easy to just push through a mediocre album that their fanbase would have bought anyway. However, in a breath of fresh air, they instead created an album packed with punch, power, and promise. The result is honestly refreshing and fun, from synths and lyrics (catchy), to inevitable bursts of gang vocals (which everyone loves), it really is worth a listen.

Track Listing

1. "Long Live the Kids"
2. "The Best Thing (That Never Happened)"
3. "Manners"
4. "Come Back Home"
5. "Attention"
6. "Dreaming Out Loud"
7. "Remember (To Forget You)"
8. "Don't You Worry"
9. "Windows in Heaven"
10. "Reflections"