Album Review

Kidnapper Bell – The Great Outdoors EP

• 5th Jul 2009

Blackheath’s own Kidnapper Bell display an encouraging aptitude for writing exciting, fresh tunes on this generously lengthy EP, getting off on the right foot with “The Great Outdoors” which establishes the staples of the four-piece’s sound throughout the record: angular riffage, dense instrumentation, hooky male-female vocal harmonies brimming with post-hardcore histrionics. It’s a winning combo and the result is something kinetic, angry, danceable. Mid-point “Collapsible Friend” stands out, boasting a great dynamic: building tension, slowing down, then building some more before a satisfyingly goosebumpy payoff at the death. With wisdom beyond their years, Kidnapper Bell pursue an intense, complex sound and come out winners: enough punchy choruses and killer riffs are scattered about the EP to make this a memorable listen.