Waterford quartet Kodakid release their self-titled debut: it’s a record which wears its old school rock influences on its sleeve. Recorded over an 18-month period in Jam Studios, Kells, the ten-track opus is performed with precision and passion throughout. Fans of the Black Keys and latter-day Red Hot Chilli Peppers will love the band’s brand of tuneful riffola.
What lets Kodakid down in places is the guitar sound. Some of the songs on offer would have been much stronger if the riffs had been meatier (‘Stories And Lies’) or if there’d been more aggression in the playing. If you’re going to call a song ‘Dirty Like Rock ‘N’ Roll,’ those riffs really should be dripping in Johnny Thunders sleaze.
Still, the ballad ‘Grizzly Days’ is a beautiful number that’s full of layered harmonies and great vocals from Kev Power, while the chain-gang soul of ‘Shake Skin’ is a riot to listen to and could thrust them into the mainstream. Check it out.

OUT JUNE 28.