New Killer Shoes

Are you ready to have a good time? Are you ready to dance the night away? Do you feel like sweating them new clothes? If yes, then all you need to do is put on the “New Killer Shoes”. It's that simple!

What comes next is a true rock'n'roll monster. ”I Ain't Even Lyin'” is the best debut I have heard in years. It pretty much sets the standards for both the band's follow-up records as well as other bands competing in the genre. It achieves that with great tunes, honest fan-like approach to music and lyrics that talk to young people everywhere – lyrics about parties, relationships and growing up. The best quality of the record is that it sounds so mature. The arrangements are top notch and the energy of a live show is 100% there! Definitely something that the four guys from Birmingham can be proud of. As a group they seem to have achieved a great understanding of how to squeeze the maximum out of their instruments and do that with undoubted intensity and feeling. The result is a funky musical trip through all the pubs in Birmingham that goes until late in the night. Every song is a new experience that the girls and booze bring along. Hangover included, of course!

As much as I like the album there are several songs that I find to be most special in the record. “Crooks” for one, is a rebellious anthem of a young person that wants to party 24/7. Jon Kings(vocals/guitars), Ryan Kings(bass/backing vocals), Ben Smith(guitar/backing vocals), Ricky-Lee Cooper(drums) manage to bring the right attitude that portrays a boy that is annoyed by the things others have to say. “Snake Charmer” is the perfect soundtrack to a gangster movie. I can see the guys put some costumes on, doing a car chase scene on a dusty highway, saving a damsel in distress. The next song on the album is supposedly the guys' favorite since it addresses the way we behave to get laid. Simple rock'n'roll honesty sang on top of guitar riffs with big balls – this is “Throwing Shapes”.

My favorite track on the record is “Let's Go Disco”. A total radio hit without doubt, it poses all the necessary characteristics — being catchy and fun. Truth is even after two months of listening, I cannot get it out of my head. Infectious with its grooves and pure rockabilly sound, the song eases all the listeners into the first, second, etc. drinks of the night. According to the song the night is a long one. Basically a non-stop party of dancing, drinking – rocking out.

“New Killer Shoes” is a gem amongst the endless tides of musical crap that flood our heads daily. You are totally missing out if you skip it. 'nuff said!

Download: Crooks, Let's Go Disco, Domestic, Snake Charmer
For The Fans Of: Future Monarchs, Fuzzy Vox
Listen: Facebook

Release Date 22.04.2013
Gospel Oak Records - Rock Freaks

Are you ready to have a good time? Are you ready to dance the night away? Do you feel like sweating them new clothes? If yes, then all you need to do is put on the “New Killer Shoes”. It's that simple!

What comes next is a true rock'n'roll monster. ”I Ain't Even Lyin'” is the best debut I have heard in years. It pretty much sets the standards for both the band's follow-up records as well as other bands competing in the genre. It achieves that with great tunes, honest fan-like approach to music and lyrics that talk to young people everywhere – lyrics about parties, relationships and growing up. The best quality of the record is that it sounds so mature. The arrangements are top notch and the energy of a live show is 100% there! Definitely something that the four guys from Birmingham can be proud of. As a group they seem to have achieved a great understanding of how to squeeze the maximum out of their instruments and do that with undoubted intensity and feeling. The result is a funky musical trip through all the pubs in Birmingham that goes until late in the night. Every song is a new experience that the girls and booze bring along. Hangover included, of course!

As much as I like the album there are several songs that I find to be most special in the record. “Crooks” for one, is a rebellious anthem of a young person that wants to party 24/7. Jon Kings(vocals/guitars), Ryan Kings(bass/backing vocals), Ben Smith(guitar/backing vocals), Ricky-Lee Cooper(drums) manage to bring the right attitude that portrays a boy that is annoyed by the things others have to say. “Snake Charmer” is the perfect soundtrack to a gangster movie. I can see the guys put some costumes on, doing a car chase scene on a dusty highway, saving a damsel in distress. The next song on the album is supposedly the guys' favorite since it addresses the way we behave to get laid. Simple rock'n'roll honesty sang on top of guitar riffs with big balls – this is “Throwing Shapes”.

My favorite track on the record is “Let's Go Disco”. A total radio hit without doubt, it poses all the necessary characteristics — being catchy and fun. Truth is even after two months of listening, I cannot get it out of my head. Infectious with its grooves and pure rockabilly sound, the song eases all the listeners into the first, second, etc. drinks of the night. According to the song the night is a long one. Basically a non-stop party of dancing, drinking – rocking out.

“New Killer Shoes” is a gem amongst the endless tides of musical crap that flood our heads daily. You are totally missing out if you skip it. 'nuff said!

Download: Crooks, Let's Go Disco, Domestic, Snake Charmer
For The Fans Of: Future Monarchs, Fuzzy Vox
Listen: Facebook

Release Date 22.04.2013
Gospel Oak Records - Rock Freaks

St Pauls Lifestyle reviews New Killer Shoes' gig at London's Islington 02 as they power through their tour supporting Brad.

new killer shoes st pauls lifestyle

This punky rock band has created their own footprints to step into. Their support to Brad whose legendary line-up includes Shawn Smith and Pearl Jam’s Stone Gossard was energetic, personal and committed. These guys played hard and partied hard on stage. You may have seen their boisterous interview – imagine that on stage and you’re getting near the mark. Their music comes at you full throttle, their lyrics are on you and their sound gets under your skin.

Their personalities come out on stage and their content is meaningful to them. You can tell that when you see them live

My personal favorite track was ‘Happy Families’, which was one of those songs you think you already know, it catches you so.

New Killer Shoes are making their mark. They deserve to. Soon we’ll all be following in the footsteps of this exciting young band. - stpaulslifestyle

St Pauls Lifestyle reviews New Killer Shoes' gig at London's Islington 02 as they power through their tour supporting Brad.

new killer shoes st pauls lifestyle

This punky rock band has created their own footprints to step into. Their support to Brad whose legendary line-up includes Shawn Smith and Pearl Jam’s Stone Gossard was energetic, personal and committed. These guys played hard and partied hard on stage. You may have seen their boisterous interview – imagine that on stage and you’re getting near the mark. Their music comes at you full throttle, their lyrics are on you and their sound gets under your skin.

Their personalities come out on stage and their content is meaningful to them. You can tell that when you see them live

My personal favorite track was ‘Happy Families’, which was one of those songs you think you already know, it catches you so.

New Killer Shoes are making their mark. They deserve to. Soon we’ll all be following in the footsteps of this exciting young band. - stpaulslifestyle

Scifi bleeps, tortured electric guitar moans, and a needy croaky vocal dripping with pent-up desire. An irresistible rolling, midetmpo groove propelled by spangly acoustic guitar lines and a motoring bass. Oh and an arrangement that grows, swerves, develops and keeps the sonic surprises coming – while conforming to the old punk rock adage: three chords good, two chords better, one chord best of all. This is a swaggering beast of a track that worms its way between your ears and refuses to come back out again. I just played it three times on the trot then went looking for it on YouTube – and what a shock: the original version is a COMPLETELY different song in every imaginable way . I has to doublecheck to even make sure it was the same band. If this new acoustic version of Love Rocket is a taste of the direction New Killer Shoes are headed on their forthcoming album I Ain’t Even Plugged In, then bring it on. - freshonthenet

Scifi bleeps, tortured electric guitar moans, and a needy croaky vocal dripping with pent-up desire. An irresistible rolling, midetmpo groove propelled by spangly acoustic guitar lines and a motoring bass. Oh and an arrangement that grows, swerves, develops and keeps the sonic surprises coming – while conforming to the old punk rock adage: three chords good, two chords better, one chord best of all. This is a swaggering beast of a track that worms its way between your ears and refuses to come back out again. I just played it three times on the trot then went looking for it on YouTube – and what a shock: the original version is a COMPLETELY different song in every imaginable way . I has to doublecheck to even make sure it was the same band. If this new acoustic version of Love Rocket is a taste of the direction New Killer Shoes are headed on their forthcoming album I Ain’t Even Plugged In, then bring it on. - freshonthenet

Up for some fun and rocking ‘n’ rolling? New Killer Shoes will happily give you a hand in soundtracking your merrymaking with zeal and fervour. When it comes to rocking out, New Killer Shoes are, no doubt, absolute experts in it, so not getting into fun mode is hardly possible with them. New Killer Shoes’ full-length ‘I Ain’t Even Lyin” is all about fun, fun, fun and, of course, some really good music!

‘I Ain’t Even Lyin” takes off with ‘Pretty Reckless’ and hey! – nice to meet you, pretty reckless New Killer Shoes! From then on the non-stop music chaos creates total mess in your head and kills your grumpy cat mood song by song. Swirling and spurring melodies are based around groovy or funky guitars, expressive bass and speedy drums in saturated, rock ‘n’ rollish cocktail. Its taste can be melodious and calmed down (‘Smooth’, ‘Domestic’) then turn all dirty and naughty (‘I Know You Want It’, ‘Snakecharmer’) and end up reckless and it total chaos (‘Crooks’, ‘Let’s Go Disco’, ‘Love Rocket’). In any case, you won’t get bored with this record as it has enough diversity and exciting motives to feast on.

The overall instrumentation is quite rich on the album as New Killer Shoes make nods towards rock, pop, indie and punk for a very spirited character of the record. Guitar solos push their way through to the forefront to present their shimmering, howling nature to unsuspecting audiences. Sharp-tongued, the band bring this sharpness not only to their melodies, but also to their lyrics. They’ll easily lure you into their net and light you up with these shiny, blazing melodies, so don’t even try to resist this charm. ‘I Ain’t Even Lyin” is a highly enjoyable listen from New Killer Shoes ideal for lifting up your mood at a rocket speed. Three, two, one, off you go! - Rock Britain

Up for some fun and rocking ‘n’ rolling? New Killer Shoes will happily give you a hand in soundtracking your merrymaking with zeal and fervour. When it comes to rocking out, New Killer Shoes are, no doubt, absolute experts in it, so not getting into fun mode is hardly possible with them. New Killer Shoes’ full-length ‘I Ain’t Even Lyin” is all about fun, fun, fun and, of course, some really good music!

‘I Ain’t Even Lyin” takes off with ‘Pretty Reckless’ and hey! – nice to meet you, pretty reckless New Killer Shoes! From then on the non-stop music chaos creates total mess in your head and kills your grumpy cat mood song by song. Swirling and spurring melodies are based around groovy or funky guitars, expressive bass and speedy drums in saturated, rock ‘n’ rollish cocktail. Its taste can be melodious and calmed down (‘Smooth’, ‘Domestic’) then turn all dirty and naughty (‘I Know You Want It’, ‘Snakecharmer’) and end up reckless and it total chaos (‘Crooks’, ‘Let’s Go Disco’, ‘Love Rocket’). In any case, you won’t get bored with this record as it has enough diversity and exciting motives to feast on.

The overall instrumentation is quite rich on the album as New Killer Shoes make nods towards rock, pop, indie and punk for a very spirited character of the record. Guitar solos push their way through to the forefront to present their shimmering, howling nature to unsuspecting audiences. Sharp-tongued, the band bring this sharpness not only to their melodies, but also to their lyrics. They’ll easily lure you into their net and light you up with these shiny, blazing melodies, so don’t even try to resist this charm. ‘I Ain’t Even Lyin” is a highly enjoyable listen from New Killer Shoes ideal for lifting up your mood at a rocket speed. Three, two, one, off you go! - Rock Britain

If you haven’t heard of New Killer Shoes then I promise you will soon so get used to it. These guys have toured with the likes of ‘Kids In Glass House’s and My Passion’ and more when they were on the Kerrang! Breakthru Tour in 2011. With Jon Kings (Lead Vocals/Guitar) at the helm of this four piece band with Ryan Kings (Bass/Backing Vocals), Ben Zazharia Smith (Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals) and Rick-Lee Gary Cooper on Drums.

Their single Snake Charmer is available now and the official video for this track is nicely planted below for you listening pleasure.

Well received live shows then I’m there is no doubt that their debut album “I Ain’t Even Lyin” will be the hit it truly deserves. Recorded at Gospel Oak Studio in Lapworth, with the famed producer Dan Sprigg of UB40 fame they have laid down fifteen original tracks you will want to listen to again and again. With a mixture of Rock & Roll, Ska, Punk, Reggae and Metal the sound is perfectly unique.OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The album kicks off with the track Pretty Reckless, which has some great riffs and lyrics that will have you singing along in no time. The tracks have some perfect heavy guitar, and when mixed with some rock & roll riffs are a brilliant combination, you notice this with the intro to ‘Crooks’ the second track. The lyrics are catchy and rhythmic and will get your feet tapping; my favourite track for vocals has to be ‘I Know You Want It’ which hits with high energy. It is followed by the amazing single ‘Snake Charmer’ which is available now (link below). The sounds of the whole album feel like the love child of the Arctic Monkeys and the Foo Fighters, with some reggae riffs thrown in for good measure.

The album is a high energy ride from start to finish and just shows that English rock is still on the rise and is getting bigger and better as the years pass.

Out on 22nd April 2013 on Gospel Oak Recordings.

5-StarsFive Stars

Another 5 star debut! Available from April so keep in it your diaries, follow the guys on Facebook for more news. - Geniusbabblereviews

If you haven’t heard of New Killer Shoes then I promise you will soon so get used to it. These guys have toured with the likes of ‘Kids In Glass House’s and My Passion’ and more when they were on the Kerrang! Breakthru Tour in 2011. With Jon Kings (Lead Vocals/Guitar) at the helm of this four piece band with Ryan Kings (Bass/Backing Vocals), Ben Zazharia Smith (Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals) and Rick-Lee Gary Cooper on Drums.

Their single Snake Charmer is available now and the official video for this track is nicely planted below for you listening pleasure.

Well received live shows then I’m there is no doubt that their debut album “I Ain’t Even Lyin” will be the hit it truly deserves. Recorded at Gospel Oak Studio in Lapworth, with the famed producer Dan Sprigg of UB40 fame they have laid down fifteen original tracks you will want to listen to again and again. With a mixture of Rock & Roll, Ska, Punk, Reggae and Metal the sound is perfectly unique.OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The album kicks off with the track Pretty Reckless, which has some great riffs and lyrics that will have you singing along in no time. The tracks have some perfect heavy guitar, and when mixed with some rock & roll riffs are a brilliant combination, you notice this with the intro to ‘Crooks’ the second track. The lyrics are catchy and rhythmic and will get your feet tapping; my favourite track for vocals has to be ‘I Know You Want It’ which hits with high energy. It is followed by the amazing single ‘Snake Charmer’ which is available now (link below). The sounds of the whole album feel like the love child of the Arctic Monkeys and the Foo Fighters, with some reggae riffs thrown in for good measure.

The album is a high energy ride from start to finish and just shows that English rock is still on the rise and is getting bigger and better as the years pass.

Out on 22nd April 2013 on Gospel Oak Recordings.

5-StarsFive Stars

Another 5 star debut! Available from April so keep in it your diaries, follow the guys on Facebook for more news. - Geniusbabblereviews

I first saw New Killer Shoes as a support act in a small pub in Redditch, playing through a tiny PA that kept tripping out every couple of songs. Even in such inauspicious surroundings it was obvious that they had something special, so I’m not really surprised that a little over two years later they’re touring Europe, sharing the stage with Seattle’s Brad and releasing their debut album.

I’ve been waiting for this album for most of those two years. I’ve seen and heard the songs growing from small acorns to the mighty stomping oaks they have become, in live venues across the Midlands. Listening to the finished work now, I’ve rarely felt more fulfilled. The positivity, energy, skill and good humour that the lads display on stage is all here, along with a few moments of sobriety and reflection which the album format affords more accomodatingly than the stage.

Like the recent Virginmarys debut album, what New Killer Shoes offer up on I Ain’t Even Lyin’ is a constant onslaught of stage-wrought anthems. One after another, each individual and identifiable – great riffs, addictive choruses, and performances of abandon. The lyrics tell of mad nights out and wasted days in; relationships good, bad and twisted. Basically the wants, needs, desires and fears of any young lad in any small town (or big city) across this fair land of ours. But these (supposedly) small subjects are given all of the import they deserve by the scale of the musical landscape they’re presented in. The quality of the lyrics really can’t be overstated and shouldn’t be overlooked – they are insightful, considered, witty and authentic.

Describing New Killer Shoes musical style to the uninitiated is a tricky proposition – their pop sensitivities are impossible to ignore (it’s what makes their work so instantly listenable in the first place), but they have purloined elements from a number of other styles to create their own identifiable arena. I don’t think any other indie rock band has so successfully integrated subtle ska influences into their arsenal before, without it dominating the sound – just listen to the dancing bass and drums on the verse of ‘Leave Me Alone’. It’s testament to their skill as musicians that they can blend such diverse elements so seamlessly.

It’s also testament to the skills of producer Dan Sprigg – who has brought the full scope and variety of his past experiences (working with the likes of Bring Me the Horizon, Mexicolas, UB40 and Napalm Death) to the table. The bass rumbles clear and precise, the riffs sound huge, the solos epic, the vocal harmonies ambitious, and the drums urgently drive everything home.

I’m not going to give a track by track analysis – I’d just gush embarrassingly, and we’ll be here all day (when we could be dancing!) – I’ll just say there isn’t a dud here, every track deserves to be a single (even the stripped down acoustic bonus track ‘Losing My Mind’). It’s also worth saying that despite all of the mighty dancefloor riff-heavy anthems two of my favourite tracks are the two most reflective numbers, ‘Domestic’ and ‘Happy Families’. ‘Domestic’ especially hints at the variety and potential depth still to come from a band only just beginning to sketch out their manifesto.

The best thing about New Killer Shoes and this album is that what you see is what you get. There’s no hipster posturing, no cooler-than-thou fakeness – just four young lads writing songs about the world they know inside and out. The world they live in every day. Songs that could well turn out to be some of the greatest everylad anthems of this fledgling century. Buy it, put it on, turn it up, cut loose – life’s too short to live it with a douchebag stick up your bum.

I Ain’t Even Lyin’ is released on April 22nd, with pre-orders opening from late March – keep an eye on newkillershoes.com for more details. The single ‘Snakecharmer’ is available now from the usual MP3 based stores.
9.5 out of 10

(and I’m only holding that extra half point back because they’re already writing album number two, and I know it’s not beyond them to go even further)

IAintEvenLyinTracklisting:

Pretty Reckless
Crooks
Leave Me Alone
Smooth
Circles
I Know You Want It
Snakecharmer
Throwing Shapes
Domestic
Popcorn
Let’s Go Disco
Make Your Move
Happy Families
Love Rocket
Losing My Mind (bonus track)
- Midland Rocks

I first saw New Killer Shoes as a support act in a small pub in Redditch, playing through a tiny PA that kept tripping out every couple of songs. Even in such inauspicious surroundings it was obvious that they had something special, so I’m not really surprised that a little over two years later they’re touring Europe, sharing the stage with Seattle’s Brad and releasing their debut album.

I’ve been waiting for this album for most of those two years. I’ve seen and heard the songs growing from small acorns to the mighty stomping oaks they have become, in live venues across the Midlands. Listening to the finished work now, I’ve rarely felt more fulfilled. The positivity, energy, skill and good humour that the lads display on stage is all here, along with a few moments of sobriety and reflection which the album format affords more accomodatingly than the stage.

Like the recent Virginmarys debut album, what New Killer Shoes offer up on I Ain’t Even Lyin’ is a constant onslaught of stage-wrought anthems. One after another, each individual and identifiable – great riffs, addictive choruses, and performances of abandon. The lyrics tell of mad nights out and wasted days in; relationships good, bad and twisted. Basically the wants, needs, desires and fears of any young lad in any small town (or big city) across this fair land of ours. But these (supposedly) small subjects are given all of the import they deserve by the scale of the musical landscape they’re presented in. The quality of the lyrics really can’t be overstated and shouldn’t be overlooked – they are insightful, considered, witty and authentic.

Describing New Killer Shoes musical style to the uninitiated is a tricky proposition – their pop sensitivities are impossible to ignore (it’s what makes their work so instantly listenable in the first place), but they have purloined elements from a number of other styles to create their own identifiable arena. I don’t think any other indie rock band has so successfully integrated subtle ska influences into their arsenal before, without it dominating the sound – just listen to the dancing bass and drums on the verse of ‘Leave Me Alone’. It’s testament to their skill as musicians that they can blend such diverse elements so seamlessly.

It’s also testament to the skills of producer Dan Sprigg – who has brought the full scope and variety of his past experiences (working with the likes of Bring Me the Horizon, Mexicolas, UB40 and Napalm Death) to the table. The bass rumbles clear and precise, the riffs sound huge, the solos epic, the vocal harmonies ambitious, and the drums urgently drive everything home.

I’m not going to give a track by track analysis – I’d just gush embarrassingly, and we’ll be here all day (when we could be dancing!) – I’ll just say there isn’t a dud here, every track deserves to be a single (even the stripped down acoustic bonus track ‘Losing My Mind’). It’s also worth saying that despite all of the mighty dancefloor riff-heavy anthems two of my favourite tracks are the two most reflective numbers, ‘Domestic’ and ‘Happy Families’. ‘Domestic’ especially hints at the variety and potential depth still to come from a band only just beginning to sketch out their manifesto.

The best thing about New Killer Shoes and this album is that what you see is what you get. There’s no hipster posturing, no cooler-than-thou fakeness – just four young lads writing songs about the world they know inside and out. The world they live in every day. Songs that could well turn out to be some of the greatest everylad anthems of this fledgling century. Buy it, put it on, turn it up, cut loose – life’s too short to live it with a douchebag stick up your bum.

I Ain’t Even Lyin’ is released on April 22nd, with pre-orders opening from late March – keep an eye on newkillershoes.com for more details. The single ‘Snakecharmer’ is available now from the usual MP3 based stores.
9.5 out of 10

(and I’m only holding that extra half point back because they’re already writing album number two, and I know it’s not beyond them to go even further)

IAintEvenLyinTracklisting:

Pretty Reckless
Crooks
Leave Me Alone
Smooth
Circles
I Know You Want It
Snakecharmer
Throwing Shapes
Domestic
Popcorn
Let’s Go Disco
Make Your Move
Happy Families
Love Rocket
Losing My Mind (bonus track)
- Midland Rocks

Gospel Oak Records

Acoustic tracks by rock bands are just a way to fill space aren’t they? Need a B-side? Just record a quick acoustic version of the A-side. Want to offer a few free bonus album tracks? Just whack a few acoustic versions on there. Quick and cheap to record, fans are happy – bish, bash, bosh – job’s a good ‘un.

Generally, I would agree with this sentiment – but anyone who has witnessed one of New Killer Shoes acoustic sets will know first-hand that when they unplug their instruments, they don’t unplug their desire to excite an audience.

Thus, this isn’t just an album of stripped down acoustic versions of tracks from their frankly superb debut album I Ain’t Even Lyin’ (Ed: Paul’s review of that album is here) – well, it is that, but not in the way you would expect. They have taken each of these songs and – under the careful guidance of producer Baz Bayliss – deconstructed them, and re-built them afresh with startlingly original results.

Just listen to album opener ‘Love Rocket’ – the track that is their usual electric set closer, a bombastic epic balls-to-the-wall rock out, has been transformed into a moody, downbeat, whispered threat of a southern rock groove pitched somewhere between Tricky and Alabama 3. New single ‘Hypocrite’ goes full-on skank reggae rock – strolling down Redditch high street in a blaze of sunshine, and a haze of ganja smoke. It’s a total joy, a ready-made summer in a song.

And that’s the thrill of New Killer Shoes – they wear their inspirations on their sleeves, and weave them all together with a youthful enthusiasm and a freshness that other bands just don’t seem to be able to capture. All four band members (and special guests) shine, with the reduced complexity of the mix giving them even more of a chance to exhibit their skills as musicians and vocalists.

Other highlights include the increased tenderness in ‘Smooth’, ‘Make Your Move’ which evolves from a stalking riff to a rarefied middle-8, the glorious ‘Snake Charmer’, new track (but long-time NKS fan classic) ‘I Ain’t Got a Chick’ and the frankly intimidating version of ‘I Know You Want It’ that closes the album.

This isn’t a bonus disc to the electric album; this is a fully-fledged, finely-honed statement of intent – an essential album in its own right. Buy it.
New Killer Shoes – I Ain’t Even Plugged In9 out of 10

Track Listing:

Love Rocket
Circles
Hypocrite
Smooth
Leave Me Alone
Make Your Move
Pretty Reckless
Snake Charmer
Throwin’ Shapes
I Ain’t Got a Chick
I Know You Want It
- Midland Rocks

Gospel Oak Records

Acoustic tracks by rock bands are just a way to fill space aren’t they? Need a B-side? Just record a quick acoustic version of the A-side. Want to offer a few free bonus album tracks? Just whack a few acoustic versions on there. Quick and cheap to record, fans are happy – bish, bash, bosh – job’s a good ‘un.

Generally, I would agree with this sentiment – but anyone who has witnessed one of New Killer Shoes acoustic sets will know first-hand that when they unplug their instruments, they don’t unplug their desire to excite an audience.

Thus, this isn’t just an album of stripped down acoustic versions of tracks from their frankly superb debut album I Ain’t Even Lyin’ (Ed: Paul’s review of that album is here) – well, it is that, but not in the way you would expect. They have taken each of these songs and – under the careful guidance of producer Baz Bayliss – deconstructed them, and re-built them afresh with startlingly original results.

Just listen to album opener ‘Love Rocket’ – the track that is their usual electric set closer, a bombastic epic balls-to-the-wall rock out, has been transformed into a moody, downbeat, whispered threat of a southern rock groove pitched somewhere between Tricky and Alabama 3. New single ‘Hypocrite’ goes full-on skank reggae rock – strolling down Redditch high street in a blaze of sunshine, and a haze of ganja smoke. It’s a total joy, a ready-made summer in a song.

And that’s the thrill of New Killer Shoes – they wear their inspirations on their sleeves, and weave them all together with a youthful enthusiasm and a freshness that other bands just don’t seem to be able to capture. All four band members (and special guests) shine, with the reduced complexity of the mix giving them even more of a chance to exhibit their skills as musicians and vocalists.

Other highlights include the increased tenderness in ‘Smooth’, ‘Make Your Move’ which evolves from a stalking riff to a rarefied middle-8, the glorious ‘Snake Charmer’, new track (but long-time NKS fan classic) ‘I Ain’t Got a Chick’ and the frankly intimidating version of ‘I Know You Want It’ that closes the album.

This isn’t a bonus disc to the electric album; this is a fully-fledged, finely-honed statement of intent – an essential album in its own right. Buy it.
New Killer Shoes – I Ain’t Even Plugged In9 out of 10

Track Listing:

Love Rocket
Circles
Hypocrite
Smooth
Leave Me Alone
Make Your Move
Pretty Reckless
Snake Charmer
Throwin’ Shapes
I Ain’t Got a Chick
I Know You Want It
- Midland Rocks