Review - Blitz Kids - Vagrants & Vagabonds

Vagrants & Vagabonds has been a long time in the making, with Blitz Kids doing things the old fashioned way and building a devoted fanbase by cutting their teeth locally, building their way up tirelessly through numerous support slots with bigger bands. Working hard in the underground, changing their name, and consistently getting better with every track they have done, this long awaited debut sees the band in fine form.

It is most definitely one of the most intriguing releases of the year thus far, and recorded in the incredibly brief period of 48 hours, with zero studio magic, this album of jagged alternative pop-rock sees the band’s twisted pop melodies surpass all expectations.

To The Lions is a furious opener, setting the scene for everything that follows. The guitar work is imaginatively intricate, whilst the thunderous and frenetic drum beats work so well. That is true across the record, and it is to the band’s credit that they have been able to put together 10 essential and creative tracks. Front man Joe James also has a cracking run throughout, lacing some divine melodies into the fold, which works well over the background music.

The album’s more anthemic moments are when the band really hit their stride, with the likes of Hold Fast, Photograph, and Story (enlisting the help of Kids In Glass Houses’ Aled Phillips on vocals) being the more memorable tracks. Dear And Departed and Rush also showcase the more pensive and thoughtful side of the lyricist James, the latter being optimistically hopeful with it’s “everything’s gonna be alright” refrain.

Orion provides one of the album’s more danceable moments, and across the ten tracks on this debut, the band prove their worth in outstanding fashion, with what could be a big record for them.

Surpassing any hype, or any expectation, these local boys have put together a fine debut release, and one of the most interesting drops of the year thus far.

As much as I never thought I would ever say it . . . Blitz Kids Never Die.

A great (and very entertaining) record.

8/10