Sugarpills | Album Review

When a band describes their music as ‘a cross between a late 80s police drama intro theme and a sophisticated super hussy’, it’s pretty much impossible to hold onto that curiosity for long, before delving in to find out who and what these people are all about. So did curiosity kill this kitty after getting her paws on Kids of 88′s debut album, Sugarpills? Maybe… just a little bit. Heh. Oh, how witty I am. And what rhymes with wit? Hit of course.

They hit the NZ music scene hard and fast with their single My House, which was shortly followed by Just A Little Bit – both super catchy pop tunes with eyebrow raising videos. So I guess most kids expected the same from their album, but I’d say that’s only the case for about half of it. The other part brings slower tunes that bring to mind thick dark mustaches and shirts only half buttoned up – in which case, they’ve described themselves perfectly.

Pop this appropriately colored purple disc into your player, and you’ll be greeted with Ribbons Of Light. At first I struggled to decide if this was a good intro to the album that feels a little like a patchwork quilt. It’s slow and unexpected – a little disappointing at first, but might grow on you if you don’t skip past it after the first minute out of yearning to hear their hit – Just A Little Bit, which follows.

Cotton Mouth is upbeat and thankfully – easily digested, while the sweet Everybody Knows takes the cake for cuteness. You won’t be dancing like a maniac to either, but you’ll be nicely warmed up for their first hit single – My House, placed conveniently close to the halfway mark. Apart Of You comes next boasting all that 80s goodness that these guys are so well known for.

Now, do you remember Uncle Jessie and Mary-Kate of TV show, Full House? If you lived and loved it as much as most kids did back in the day, you’ll be absolutely delighted with San Fran. Bringing back all those fond memories of the series, this tune will give you warm fuzzies and will leave you wishing for the days of DJ and Stephanie all over again. Taking you back to reality and 2010, Downtown follows – you know it. I don’t have to talk about it.

Feed The Birds definitely has moments where you’ll hear that 80’s police drama described earlier, which is probably the only thing that you’ll take away from this tune. Last track, SQRL is about as disappointing as the intro – there’s no real bang, and to be honest, makes me feel a little bit ripped off. They’ve proven that they can do some amazing things, but overall, I don’t think this album is one of them.

Words by Amanda Ratcliffe