This eponymous debut album from L.A. band Particle Kid brings a refreshing twist to several widely-loved styles. Front man Micah Nelson quickly proves himself a talented songwriter, lyricist, vocalist, and musician. Most of it is rather slow, but it’s careful, deliberate and all-around very pleasant. The complexity of the instrumentation is not immediately obvious, but very impressive upon further inspection. Nelson also utilizes a healthy amount of sampling and sound effect, all of which is tasteful, purposeful, and integrated. Occasional hints of Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd, Radiohead, and Nirvana all sneak their way in, yet the whole sound is nothing like any one of those bands or any combination of them. That said, the sound also isn’t supremely original, so the downside of this style could be a lack of longevity. If Particle Kid can avoid repeating itself excessively in subsequent albums, it will be a very promising name.
Recommended If You Like: Fleet Foxes … little bits of Pink Floyd and Nirvana
Recommended Tracks: 5 (Leaving), 4 (Dreamer), 3 (The Ocean), 9 (The River)
Do Not Play: None
Written by Joe Underwood on 04/19/2017
