French Kicks: Swimming (Vagrant)
New from Vagrant Records is the album Swimming from the Brooklyn band French Kicks. The new release is out on Itunes but doesn’t come out on disc until May 20^th. Some of their die-hard fans bought the album online and raved about it. I, however, have a little less raving to do. I really don’t want to tear this album apart, but if I won’t, I don’t know who will.

French Kicks’ lead vocalist Nick Stumpf’s airy and melodic sound almost resembles Thom York’s of Radiohead. However the airiness doesn’t subside and while some people like that, I’m not a big fan.

The album is entirely produced and mixed by the band itself. Impressive. I won’t go too far into praise though, because I find the I-mixed-this-in-my-basement-sound to be a little immature for a band of their class. It makes the album sound live, but isn’t that what shows are for?

Next on the list: variety. Their sound is unique and there is no doubt about that, on the other hand their sound from song to song is not. This is an album that I got bored with really quickly. Instead of three minute songs, I felt like I was listening to one really long song. One that I wish would have ended at three minutes. If it would have, I think I would have liked it.

It started off good, but ended sour. Kind of like those sour patch kids commercials; but opposite.

Throwing a little bit of good in the mix; it was pretty upbeat. There was a lot of finger snapping and hand clapping which always makes for an audience pleaser. But in French Kicks case, it just wasn’t enough.

The album ends with a song that fits perfectly called This Could Go Wrong. It seems like a good idea, but in the end it really isn’t a mind-blowing creation.