Hailing from Detroit, The Idiot Kids are a garage punk trio who’ve been igniting stages and eardrums for over a decade. Formed in 2011, the outfit features lead singer and guitarist Jon-Mikal Bartee, drummer Andrew Maslowsky, and bass player Nicholas Zambeck, all combining to channels the energy of punk, the raw aesthetic of garage rock and the melodic familiarity of art pop.
Known for their explosive live performances, The Idiot Kids fuse the theatricality of glam with the unbridled energy of hardcore, creating a sonic experience that’s entirely anthemic. Over the past five years, the band has been unleashing their unique sonic vision through a series of studio releases.
From their debut split single with “Skeleton Boy” and “Bonfire” in 2018 to their eponymous album The Idiot Kids in 2019 and the EP Nothing in 2021, the band has consistently won over fans with their recorded sound. This year they returned with four new tracks released in the build up to their latest work, their brand new LP Chapels.
During the pandemic-induced hiatus, frontman Jon-Mikal took the opportunity to dive into the art of recording and mixing. As the band reunited, they embarked on a DIY album-making adventure, recording most of Chapels in a basement in Hamtramck, Detroit, and a cabin in Northern Michigan.
The result is a raw collection of tracks that retains the high-energy punk ethos while exploring themes of religious trauma affecting queer individuals, particularly Jon-Mikal himself. Across twelve new tracks, the band serves up a thrilling run through of the latest chapter of their musical journey. Following the erratic cacophony of instrumental noise on the brief “Introduction,” the record fully kicks into gear with “Your Machine,” where drum strikes usher in a raucous blast of gritty guitars, driving drums and pulsing bass lines.
Jon-Mikal’s commanding vocal presence makes itself known via lively leads that give way to a slick wah-drenched guitar solo before his voice re-enters with powerful howls and screams. Raising the intensity, the band launches into an instantly memorable chorus of bright vocals and catchy hooks, then jumping into a grooving instrumental section that drops down to build the energy back for the final moments.
“Accidents” bursts open with a bluesy vibe as crunchy lead guitar work brings in an upbeat pop punk style outing. Full of bouncy rhythm, retro rock aesthetic and poignant lyricism, it’s an uptempo jam that once again showcases the band’s songwriting talent and performance panache. Next up, “Bedside” keeps the energy up with think fuzzy guitars riding punchy drums as Jon-Mikal threads smooth vocal leads backed by the band’s backing voices. It’s a superb dose of the unique sound of The Idiot Kids that captures the spirit of rock and punk and filters it through their own creative lens.
Other highlights on the record include songs like lead single “White Flags,” opened by the rumble of bass guitar and thump of drums before the guitar lead caps an energising cut of modern rock n’ roll. With an array of guitar tones from the chugging muted rhythms to the jangly chords and the piquant distorted leads, the song serves up an infectious sound.
The other single, “Wilted Bloom” delivers a vibrant pop-focused rock sound that distils a sense of nostalgia to reflect the picture painting lyrics. Title track “Chapels” starts with a tender sound of sombre clean guitar tones, joined by melancholic vocals, gradually building up to an emphatic sound of distorted guitar tones and bold drum punches to craft an emphatic downtempo rock anthem brimming with moody undercurrents and aching emotion.
The album closes with “Obsession,” where a storming guitar riff is underpinned by powerful drums and wrapped by intense vocals. With rhythm switch ups, vocal yells, an impactful breakdown and screaming guitar leads, it’s an epic finale to the band’s sensational new record.
Tonight, The Idiot Kids celebrate the release of the record with a live performance at Outer Limits Lounge in Detroit, featuring special guests The Cult of Spaceskull and Carmel Liburdi & Friends. The physical copies, available at the show for 50% off, are set to ship to stores via Jett Plastic Recordings around December 15th.
Listen to Chapels below
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