Rozwell Kid – Precious Art

After spending six years and producing three full length albums on the indie circuit, West Virginia power-pop quartet Rozwell Kid have made the jump to SideOneDummy Records’ reputable roster.  It’s a natural next step for the rising band, not just in raising their profile and expanding their audience, but in finding a home that won’t muzzle their spastic, pop-punk tendencies. Labelmates AJJ and Jeff Rosenstock serve as perfect examples of equally free spirits finding their way and honing their sounds in such a way.

The same is true of Rozwell Kid’s fourth LP, Precious Art, which finds the band tightening their garage-influenced sound while harnessing a creative vision sure to peak the interest of longtime fans and newcomers alike.  “I’m down to my underwear because I threw it all away in a Wendy’s trashcan” sings frontman Jordan Hudkins of leaving behind the daily grind in favour of leaving worldly disposition and blazing your own trail.  “Wendy’s Trash Can” opens the album as welcome reassurance that Rozwell Kid is as energetic and prone to humour as ever.  While definitely representing the punkier side of their musical repertoire, the combination of quick simple riffs and playful chorus-verse format translates well into the present.  Similar tracks like the obscure Weird Al referencing “UHF on DVD” and odd little romantic number “Booger” succeed on account of similar marriages of bizarre content with catchy outcomes.

Much of the record bears comparison with the grunge-pop of Weezer origins.  When the pace tempers and tempo slows, tracks like “Futon” and “MadTV” offer up an easy flowing, slacker-rock mentality reminiscent of the 90’s.  Rozwell Kid manage a strong sense of meander meets direction not unlike that of Gregory Pepper & His Problems – never reluctant to explore the unexpected and veer towards scenic detour or tangent.  From songs of early childhood friendships and summers spent trading comic books and watching vintage Ninja Turtles movies (“Michael Keaton”), to effective sub-minute primarily instrumental interludes (“South By”), Precious Art flows naturally in sequence and substance.  Only “Gameball” tends to drag towards the album’s close, with it’s slumber-like chords feeling sleepier than interesting in execution.

Overall, Rozwell Kid’s latest entry succeeds as both their SideOneDummy Records debut and natural continuation of their zany Rozwell Kid antics.  With plenty of relatable themes and pop-culture references to boot, taking Precious Art for a spin is as rewarding to dig through lyrically as it is to groove along with on the surface.  An easy recommendation.