Are You Nervous? (U.S. Version)
OnAre You Nervous?, Rock Kills Kid display a deep affinity for '80s acts such as Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, U2, and the Cure, yet rarely has a band wearing their influences this prominently on their sleeve sounded more refreshing. On the opening dance floor craze "Paralyzed," the steady rockin' "Hide Away," the frenetic "Don't Want To Stay," the easy-going but evocative "Back To Life," and the radio-ready title track, Rock Kills Kid demonstrate a knack for creating catchy, heartfelt rock & roll-inflected pop that places this outfit in a position to save contemporary music from itself. Rock Kills Kid are a great band that have already climbed to dizzying artistic heights and seem poised to climb to equally impressive commercial ones as well. A new high in American rock music.--Jedd Beaudoin