Are The Things Ireland’s answer to Guns N’ Roses? Musically, of course, the Dubliners have little in common with Axl and co. – but it seemed for a while that their elusive debut album was about as likely to surface as Chinese Democracy.
After several years of kicking around the murkier end of the local scene, however, the rockers finally open their long-player account, and in true vintage style, Some Kind Of Kick is an album of two halves: Side A largely showcases the quintet’s ‘60s and psychedelic leanings, while Side B is mostly predisposed to dashes of raw, classic punk. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it’s the former that makes a more immediate impression; juddering organs, rollicking twangs and undeniably well-played guitar solos abound, and are incisively displayed on the brilliantly trashy title track and the ace ‘Set Me Free’. An inevitable nadir occurs, however, when frontman Neilo unleashes the full howl of his voice slightly too often, smothering a clutch of frenetic numbers with a layer of drab indistinctness.
If you’re looking for originality or innovation, you’ll be hard-pressed to find either here. This album is a brazen nod to The Things’ favourite bands (presumably, anything from the Nuggets compilation to The Stooges and The Cramps), and there’s no apparent inclination to forge their own identity or sound. It’s enjoyable on occasion, but Some Kind Of Kick’s audience is one that likes their leather jackets tight, their boots scuffed and their music unashamedly derivative.

Key Track: ‘Set Me Free’