Unbelievably catchy, Clean Cut Kid are guaranteed to have song after song repeat in your head, and happily so. The lyrics important, while the tune is both deep and upbeat, the captivating song of Emily being a prime example.
The four-member band (Mike Halls, Evelyn Halls, Ross Higginson and Gareth Bullock) have a very heavy pop-rock feel that’s reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac, but that’s certainly not a bad thing. The voices of husband and wife; Mike and Evelyn coming together in perfect harmony as they complete an addictive range of melodies – with my head currently bobbing up and down as I listen to their songs. Mike does however, take a more prominent lead in the vocals, his voice well suited to the upbeat and rock background, not to mention reaching a comfortable level above their bass.
Emily was one of the first songs I heard from Clean Cut Kid, and still remains one of my favourites. The introduction’s bass guitar being highly distinctive making the song instantly recognisable, while the vocals are more closely shared between Mike and Evelyn, with the latter having such a softness that it’s almost ethereal – helping the lyrics to not just stand out, but resonate. Touchingly personal, the song was written for a friend of theirs suffering from depression, and in doing so has made a tune that calls out to anyone else feeling the same.
Directed by Jonjo Lowe the video is simply styled, allowing for a focus on the difference between what’s shown on the surface, to the hurt inside. With soft pastels, balloons, and a diamond kaleidoscope appearance – it emphasises the appearance people put on for the outside world. But it also doesn’t look to darken depression further, nor lift it falsely out, instead in combination with the lyrics, the video looks to meet somewhere between the two – and in doing so, displays how depression comes in many forms. This is also shown in the changing expressions of “Emily,” from blank emotions (which the band also mirrors) to laughter and screaming – each telling of the way depression can appear.
Surprisingly, the music is rather upbeat and helps the repeating chorus to linger with you, and in this it feels as though it’s telling the listener that it’s okay to not be okay.
Founded in 2012 Clean Cut Kid’s debut album was Felt (2017) – flavourful, it also has a touch of the eclectic jumper about it – its bright, demands you to look at it again and again. And man, you can’t help but want an excuse to bring it out and show others.
Usually hating songs about love – which is a theme overly done in the music industry – I found myself surprised by the album Felt. For their versions of love are not melodic, depressing and ballady, but fun and a bit trippy – so in this case, I’ll make an exception.
The second album Painwave (2019) has sadly lost a little of its upbeat rock, and changes to a lower key with wider themes, and though the lyrics are more diverse, it’s missing the earlier addictiveness of Felt, which can be seen in only a few of the album’s songs such as Emily, and I Don’t Like You but I Love You. Meanwhile Deafening tries to merge the two albums’ styles together, and with great success, though personally I could do without the later sound effects i.e. a large amount of peeing (even if hydration is important).
A band who keep exploring, and with it their style keeps growing, so watch out for Clean Cut Kid – they’ll soon be launched into stratospheric success.
Other songs by Clean Cut Kid we love:
- The Prodigal Son (2021 – Mother’s Milk)
- Worrying (2020 – single)
- Deafening (2019 – Painwave)
- I Don’t Like You but I Love You (2019 – Painwave)
- Jean (2017 – Felt)
- Leaving You Behind (2017 – Felt)
- Make Believe (2017 – Felt)
- Vitamin C (2017 – Felt)
- We Used To Be In Love (2017 – Felt)
Other artists you might like:
- Circa Waves
- Sundara Karma
- The Magic Gang
- The Night Café
