Kicksie – Slouch | Album Review
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Counter Intuitive Records
Kicksie’s previous full-length, All My Friends, was released in August 2020, a time when society was essentially folding into itself as we collectively came to terms with the fact that COVID was not just a couple-month-long endeavor. Much of the world was forced to shuffle indoors and find ways to occupy their time, unknowingly unearthing who they are without any external means of coping. I was no different, as I too found myself burnt out with work, mundane online college courses, and life in general. While I don’t exactly remember how Kicksie’s 13-track pandemic release came into my field of view, I was immediately taken aback by the effect it had on my life. The opening track, “Sleepyhead,” had me wanting to run through a wall, all without using down-tuned guitars, breakdowns, or aggressive pit calls. This is where Kicksie finds their niche-- hard-hitting lyrics that stick to your brain for weeks on end, all while sounding like the soundtrack to a blockbuster coming-of-age movie.
Almost three years later, Kicksie, otherwise known as 22-year-old Giuliana Mormile, still never seems to lapse in consistency when it comes to creating captivating hooks and charismatic lyrics. The indie bedroom pop-emo project carries on its impressive run of self-recorded releases, this time around backed by scene anchor Counter Intuitive Records. One might find it daunting to release an album alongside labelmates with as much experience under their belts as Origami Angel, Oso Oso, and Mom Jeans; however, Mormile holds their own and then some on every track throughout their fifth full-length album, Slouch.
The record goes on an absolute tear in the first five tracks, which include the album's two singles, “You’re On” and “Sinking In.” Mormile tiptoes a fine line between confrontational, almost boastful lyricism on some tracks while being entirely introspective on others. She leans on this strength throughout the release, finding an immaculate balance between making the listener feel on top of the world, then at their lowest point, all within the span of a few minutes.
The first three tracks all portray Mormile at their feistiest. It’s in these tracks where crumbling relationships are confronted, including one song about having a complete lack of sympathy for straight-up stealing someone’s girlfriend. Track four, “Arcade,” is where the earnestness and lack of certainty begin to spill out. It is a spectacular love song about being unsure who someone really is in comparison to your expectations. Starting the track with melancholic chords, Mormile shows off her keen ability to pair lyrics with an exquisite vocal melody.
Tracks like “You’re On,” “Sinking In,” and “Go-Getter” all display Mormile’s pop-rock abilities at their finest, striking the listener with loud, memorable choruses. Although this is not all the album has to offer, she does a hell of a job writing slower, pensive tracks like my favorite, “Wish I Was (Anyone Else).” The album offers a satisfying spread of upbeat, energetic pop-rock tracks alongside emo-tinged slow burners.
Many bands get away with writing 10 or 12 okay-ish tracks on a new album and calling it a day. It’s clear that Kicksie put their all into each and every song–not a single cut on Slouch lacks emotion or musicianship. While the two singles chosen for this release represent the album well, literally any other song could’ve done the same.
Although it may seem obvious to some, I had to take a step back when listening to this album and appreciate how much these songs simply make me feel. Kicksie does a phenomenal job of crafting high-quality music, all while connecting with the listener on a personal level. Given the level of production and musicianship on display, it’s hardly accurate to call this a “bedroom” project anymore. Slouch launches Kicksie into a realm that longtime fans always knew the band would reach.
Brandon Cortez is a writer/musician residing in El Paso, Texas. When not playing in shitty local emo pop punk bands, he can be found grinding Elden Ring on his second cup of cold brew. Find him on Twitter @numetalrev.
