All Things Fade: A Brief Review Of New Albums From Artsick & Kids On A Crime Spree, Both On Slumberland Records

If you thought Mike and the folks at Slumberland Records had a good 2021, you're likely going to love what they've got for us in 2022. They are kicking off a busy year with two superb, sort-of-connected records. I'm here to rave about both so let's dive in.

Artsick is Christina Riley of Burnt Palms, joined by Mario Hernandez of Kids on a Crime Spree, and Donna McLean of Lunchbox. The new record, Fingers Crossed, was recorded by Tim Brown of Hard Left, and it's a winner. The mood here is C86, specifically Shop Assistants, mixed with Heavenly and a dash of American hardcore.

Opener "Restless" roars out of the gate, while "Despise" chimes with force and power. The M.O. here is fervor in the service of bright, U.K.-inspired indie-rock. And anyone who loved what McLean did with Lunchbox will find lots to love here in the ebullient riffs of Fingers Crossed. Some of this, like "Ghost of Myself", sounds simliar to what label-mates The Umbrellas served up quite well last year, but loads more edges things into rougher territory, where the hooks come out of the players' enthusiasm for riding this stuff into the sun.

However, all that being said, closer "Fiction" is the cut that resonated the most with me. This one, a faint cousin to Unrest numbers after Bridget joined, seems to put a uniquely American spin on the template laid down by Brits in decades past. Sure, it' DIY C86 indie, but the fire of the feelings, and the emotion render the whole thing somehow more heartfelt and earnest. Fans of the form will get what I'm trying to say, I hope.

Fingers Crossed by Artsick is out on Friday via Slumberland Records.

The new album from Kids on a Crime Spree opens with one of the best things I've heard in 2022 so far. "Karl Kardel Building" rides a beat like an old Lesley Gore song to the sort of fuzzy glory the early JAMC singles had. The bass is a monster here as things remain as loud as they are tuneful. Luckily, the rest of Fall in Love Not in Line, out on Friday via Slumberland Records is just as good.

Mario Hernandez, Becky Barron, and Bill Evans are a trio that manage to make a big sound. The pieces of the attack here are basic ones, but like The Ramones, the riffs and hooks are huge and memorable. "When Can I See You Again?" is fainlty shoegaze, but it's tighter and more concise, as is the Buzzcocks-ish "NOYC", another gem on this record.

At their best, Kids on a Crime Spree have a knack like Shelley or Joey R. for using a few simple, unexpected chord changes to touch the heart. "All Things Fade" is emotional in the right way, with a middle break that sends chills up the spine. It's got the sort of rush about it, as does lots here, as something like "She's the One" by The Ramones, you know? There's bits of this that made me think of Boyracer too, but Kids on a Crime Spree are unique in their ability to pepper this material with hints of Sixties stuff and Class of '77 pioneers. It's punk-y, but it's all catchy and fun too. Listen to "Boom Doom" and hear how all that coalesces simply and yet spectacularly in the service of a bracing good song.

Fall in Love Not in Line by Kids on a Crime Spree is out on Friday via Slumberland Records.

[Photos: Force Field PR / Slumberland Records]