Kidneys – Self Titled

Side projects are always an interesting thing. Sometimes you know exactly what to expect from them while other times you’re left in the dark until the CD is actually released. It makes it even harder when the person starting the side project isn’t one of the main writers for the main band because then you really have no idea what they’ll be going for. That’s the predicament Bad Religion‘s drummer Brooks Wackerman left us in with the announcement of Kidneys – his solo project where he tackles almost every instrument on the release. We’ve heard him drum on countless songs but can he wow us the same way with his guitar playing or singing? On top of that, what is he aiming for? Another Bad Religion skate-punk act or something completely different like Brett Gurewitz did with Error? The answer to both of those questions is a combination of yes and no.

While its definitely not a Bad Religion rip-off band, it’s much more in the skate-punk vein than that of Error. It would be best to describe Kidneys as a pop-punk band. Miles away from the quick, politically driven, polished skate punk of his main band, Wackerman has delivered a much more controlled and slower album. There’s a lo-fi production sensation to the album that gives it a stronger independent vibe all the while maintaining a cohesive feel to it. Some songs, like Tiger Song, are a more straight forward pop-punk cut built with distorted guitars and vocals leaning a bit more towards his punk rock heritage while other tracks slow it down a bit and show Wackerman’s more power-pop side. Take On With The New for example. It’s a four and a half minute indie-pop gem that has a beat that seems to have been transplanted from a Tegan & Sara record – just with vocals that aren’t nearly as clear as the Canadian duo normally gives. Even though he focuses more on the straight forward pop-punk on tracks likeChristian Cheerleading and The Engine,he never fully constricts himself to the same sound as is proven by the five minute closer Idiot or the more pop-oriented De Lemur.

Now, we already know that Wackerman can drum and we have an idea of what the sound he’s going for. The question is, can he pull it off? In reality, yes; however, there is some room for improvement – mainly in the vocal department. His voice isn’t the worst set of pipes I’ve heard but it’s not always strong enough to carry the album by itself. Very nasally, the vocals are slightly irritating at times; never enough to make you skip the track but enough to be noticeable. Plus, on some songs I can’t help but picture someone like Brody Dalle or Courtney Love- as in a female vocalist with very rough and worn vocals that are almost manly just this time they’re actually coming from a man. It’s a rather odd sensation.

Kidneys sees Wackerman experiment and broadening his horizons a bit. It will never be an album that will completely captivate you but its strong enough to receive a few good spins from front to back.