Victory Kid – Illentials

California brass infused pop-punk band Victory Kid may be new on the scene, but based on their debut EP, Illenials, you wouldn’t know it.  Engineered, mixed, mastered and co-produced by Allan Hessler (Goldfinger, The Used), the EP has a tight execution without feeling overproduced.  Even with accompanying horns being tracked by Matt Appleton (Reel Big Fish), I hesitate to brand them a ska band, as they certainly don’t operate with confines of one.  Trio Harrison, Nathan and Carlo offer up a debut that will find easy audience with fans of Sum 41, Goldfinger, and other energetic and approachable pop-punk bands from the past few decades.

Opener “My World” serves as a great summation of Victory Kid’s potential and indication of the band’s stylistic allegiance.  It’s a little dark, a little menacing, and highly infectious. The blended upstroke balances Harrison’s clear and forceful tone, made richer and more pronounced by Nathan’s distinctive basswork.  By the time the horns embed themselves in the chorus, they simply become another layer of instrumentation rather than a genre statement. Follow up “Coming Together” makes for sunnier days in execution, exuding an uplifting melody, complete with soaring guitar solo and SoCal-style pop sensibilities.  The next track is unapologetically political and passionate, but the sunny-attitude doesn’t make the track’s message as urgent as perhaps the band would have hoped (if we’re talking political motivation, this is no substitute for Bad Religion or Pennywise).  The final track, “Go Get It,” in its lighter delivery and far more uplifting and energizing message of recognizing one’s self-worth and value.  “Go get it kid… she’s not so far out of your reach” sings the band as they encourage an unnamed protagonist to approach their crush with confidence.

Illenials is a solid EP, and very direct mission statement for a band looking to make a name for itself right out of the gate.  Is it enough to sustain their eventual debut full length? More than likely. But with all catchy pop outings, there’s always a risk of playing it safe, which a couple tracks lean towards. With two more EPs on the immediate horizon, VIctory Kid has plenty of time left to hone the band’s creative process, and further develop their personality as a band.  In the meantime, fans can rest assured that Illenials is an introduction worth tuning in to.