More Kicks “Punch Drunk” Dirtnap Records/Stardumb Records. Released today, September 16th, 2022. Green Noise Records exclusive green and black vinyl. I may have gotten slightly early access to this LP, the London’s power-pop, modishly punk trio’s second LP, but managed to keep that on the down-low despite my excitement; More Kicks are one of my favorite new-to-me bands of the year. We discovered them at this past June’s Dirtnap Fest in Madison and I’ve had their first LP and singles on pretty heavy rotation ever since.

They released the first single from Punch Drunk, “Animal,” last month and my decidedly non-high-brow review of it was “I freaking love it!!!! “Animal” ticks every one of my boxes: punchy power pop/garage, a bit psychedelic and relentlessly catchy and ass-shaking.” That sentiment hasn’t changed at all – I love this song so much and it’s making its way onto a few of my playlists immediately. It’s definitely one of my top tracks on the album. “Terminal Love” is another great one: a bit of a loud-quiet-loud vibe, melodic and danceable. “Seven Ways” is a bit edgier with great driving guitar (James Sullivan) and bass (Paolo Mantovani) riffs, and some serious beats (courtesy of drummer Kris Hood). “Come Home” is upbeat jangly garage pop, “Colour Me Stupefied” has a Byrds meets 60’s Beatles Britpop sound while “Good Enough” is an all-out pop-rocker. “Phoney Middle Aged Art” wins for best song title on the record and “Rest of Our Lives” for best use of killer 60’s style organ.