The heavy jangle pop punk guitar rhythms propelled by a wonky vintage synth line and potent drums on "What Else Could I Say" by New Haven, Connecticut's The Problem With Kids Today has the magnetic raw indie rock that feels punk nostalgic. I am feeling a cross generational amalgam of bands like Pylon, Mom Jeans, Crystal Stilts, New York Dolls, Jacuzzi Boys and more. The sense is a stripped down punchy sound seeded from scrappy local venues, house and warehouse shows or pop up venues at bike shops or second had clothing boutiques.
As Liner Notes reveal (bracketed) :
[The band was formed in 2020 and is comprised of frontman “The Great” Tate Brooks leading the charge on vocals and guitar, his childhood best friend Silas “The Slayer” Lourenco Lang on 4 string buttery bass guitar and vocals, and the glue that keeps them together “Rock N Roll” Reena Yu holding it down on the skins and backing vocals.]
In my humble opinion, the lure here, the addictive quality of The Problem With Kids Today's sound is the sense that it is not manufactured, that it just is. That it has bloomed from old school vinyl records found in a crate somewhere or seeped in the brains of these guys through osmosis. Either that or the raw nature is born out of learning on the fly, something that is an intrinsic part of some of the best indie rock and punk / post punk iconic sounds on the planet. A readiness to play when you really can't is my favorite part of the late 70's proto punk aesthetic. There is a genius in shaping music in ways that is unorthodox because you don't know any better. I feel that non poseur spirit here however it was acquired.
[This past Spring The band headed to legendary Q Division Studios (Pixies, Aimee Mann, Jon Brion, Dropkick Murphys, etc. ) in Cambridge MA to make their debut album “Born To Rock” recorded by veteran indie producer Adam Lasus (Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Yo La Tengo, Juliana Hatfield, Helium, Mark Mulcahy, etc). Laying down eleven new songs in a mere eight days, The band and Adam moved into the studio and recorded from dusk till dawn. This allowed them to play with a wide variety of instruments from harmonicas and toy pianos to 12 string guitars and synthesizers. The result is an all encompassing Rock and Roll record inspired by the likes of KISS, New York Dolls, Ramones, Iggy and The Stooges, and incorporating some of the poppier aspects of The Byrds, The Beatles, and The Kinks. It’s a timeless record sure to leave you saying, that’s The Problem With Kids Today…]
[This past Spring The band headed to legendary Q Division Studios (Pixies, Aimee Mann, Jon Brion, Dropkick Murphys, etc. ) in Cambridge MA to make their debut album “Born To Rock” recorded by veteran indie producer Adam Lasus (Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Yo La Tengo, Juliana Hatfield, Helium, Mark Mulcahy, etc). Laying down eleven new songs in a mere eight days, The band and Adam moved into the studio and recorded from dusk till dawn. This allowed them to play with a wide variety of instruments from harmonicas and toy pianos to 12 string guitars and synthesizers. The result is an all encompassing Rock and Roll record inspired by the likes of KISS, New York Dolls, Ramones, Iggy and The Stooges, and incorporating some of the poppier aspects of The Byrds, The Beatles, and The Kinks. It’s a timeless record sure to leave you saying, that’s The Problem With Kids Today…]
"What Else Could I Say" is the first single to be released from the band's album "Born To Rock" out in February 2024.
-Robb Donker Curtius
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2KD5VAWcQNx5TIZZvyCEJH
https://theproblemwithkidstoday.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/theproblemwithkidstoday/
Revisiting the sounds and themes of the 70s while creating their own original version, TPWKT are a unique blend of all things they love; Punk, Power Pop, Eclectic numbers, and good time R&R. The Kids also put on a high octane live show, playing countless gigs and becoming one of New Haven’s highest regarded live acts. This has led them to selling out venues like Space Ballroom and Cafe 9, as well as doing some regional tours around New England. They’ve been featured in a Pitchfork article about Verso Studios and through Verso Studios have become one of Chris Frantz’s (Talking Heads, Tom Tom Club) favorite local bands!
-Robb Donker Curtius
THE FACTS AS WE KNOW THEM
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2KD5VAWcQNx5TIZZvyCEJH
https://theproblemwithkidstoday.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/theproblemwithkidstoday/
Revisiting the sounds and themes of the 70s while creating their own original version, TPWKT are a unique blend of all things they love; Punk, Power Pop, Eclectic numbers, and good time R&R. The Kids also put on a high octane live show, playing countless gigs and becoming one of New Haven’s highest regarded live acts. This has led them to selling out venues like Space Ballroom and Cafe 9, as well as doing some regional tours around New England. They’ve been featured in a Pitchfork article about Verso Studios and through Verso Studios have become one of Chris Frantz’s (Talking Heads, Tom Tom Club) favorite local bands!
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