A fourth album by Kids in Glass Houses means another album’s worth of repetitive, yet intoxicating, soft rock songs with gripping lyrics and a steady beat to rock out to. However, although some extreme fans may disagree, the fourth album is time for some change, a leap of faith to prevent any staleness existing within the band. From this album I personally wanted to see something a little different without reaching the point that the Kids in Glass Houses essence we know and love is lost completely. Also, with the name Peace, certainly this is a warning to the heavy rock lovers that the album is going to introduce the music audience to a softer side of Kids in Glass Houses? I, for one, hope not.
With the release of single ‘Drive’, the album already appeared to have a slightly edgy sound compared to previous rock anthems from ‘Dirt!’, ‘Smart Casual’ and ‘In Gold Blood’. From first impressions, something of an electronic beat made my ears prick up and subtle reverb in frontman Aled Phillips’ voice introduced a kind of sound similar to that of Fall Out Boy’s Save Rock and Roll. As all singles do, they create curiosity of the forthcoming album and this one created a whirlwind in my mind of what was potentially to come. Would they completely forget their classic: guitars, drums, awesome voice and no effect tracks or would they find a healthy balance between the two? After listening to the album, you will be amazed by the slight transition Kids in Glass Houses have made to create something clean and fresh, completely original from their previous work.
The album kicks off with the track ‘Peace’, which instantly negates any previous worries due to the name of the album. A fast paced and, in my opinion, classic Kids in Glass Houses track with a reliable guitar rhythm, healthy drum beat mixed with the unique voice of Phillips that gets you pumped and ready for the album. However, it isn’t until you reach the track ‘Novocaine’ that you begin to see the beautiful transition this band have made from their third to fourth album. It is a track with a gentle rhythm and beautiful lyrics that can finally relate to the album name with elegant movements from verses to chorus. Thankfully, they haven’t completely abandoned their roots with a catchy, uplifting chorus which is one of their strongest continuing factors. Other tracks to listen out for especially include ‘Set Me Free’ and ‘Stormchasers’.
Thankfully, the album stays at the same standard throughout and there is no way to highlight any weak links within the track list, it just doesn’t get old. There was never a moment when I thought, ‘Well this sucks, I’m gonna go listen to Blink-182 instead’, which happens too often when I listen to new albums start to finish. It even ends in a beautiful fashion with the track ‘Nightcrawler’. A track that doesn’t leave your blood pumping after listening, however it gently leads you in and leads you out to the point that I was devastated to discover the album had ended. It is the pinnacle of Peace and concludes the album in an extremely positive way. A few verses and choruses down the line, you reach the epic outro with a beautifully simple guitar riff that peacefully lets you know the album has reached its conclusion.
If you have never heard Kids in Glass Houses before (or if you have and hate them), broaden your horizon and give this album a listen. With only 10 tracks, it won’t take up much of your time and hopefully with the addition of these tracks, they now have a set list which would appeal to a much wider audience.
8/10
