Album Review: The Get Up Kids - There Are Rules

Originally planned as a series of EP releases, the Kansas City group have abandoned that concept and delivered their first full-length in 6 years. For long time admirers of the band who are (secretly) hoping for another classic emo/indie rock like 'Something To Write Home About' may well be disappointed as 'There Are Rules' sounds like a band who have certainly evolved and to an extent have abandoned their former selves.

Kicking off with the explosive 'Tithe', the band quickly set about the (somewhat) experimental direction the rest of the record takes. However the band's guitar-driven style is still very much intact, whilst Matt Pryor's voice sounds confident. 'Regent's Court' follows on nicely with a simple, running guitar complimenting Pryor, who's vocals provide a sense of familiarity to the bands sound throughout.

Whereas tracks like 'Shatter Your Lung' and 'Automatic' shows the band's musical progression, with the former taking a more synth-heavy direction; James Dewees' keyboards swirl and wind in and out. Whilst the latter ('Automatic') subtly sees Rob Pope's bass work take charge whilst the collective group sound radiant in the chorus.

'Rally 'Round The Fool' is a slow-burning, eerie number with an atmospheric build that sees the bands experimental use of distant guitars and synths heavily come into play. Whilst its not the same Get Up Kids we all know, the band pull off the number well and proves to be one that is both mesmerizing and a highlight of the record. 'Keith Case' from last year's 'Simple Science' makes a welcomed appearance, with its bass-heavy riff and stirring guitar work, which throughout teases to take off and once it does, the affect is satisfying.

'When It Dies' and 'Rememorable' round off the album with two contrasting styles. 'When It Dies' is a steady-paced track with the bands classic song-writing and Pryor's distinctive vocal style being well-combined with this new, progressive Get Up Kids, which is airy, focused and tight. Whilst the concluding 'Rememorable' is urgent and it's structure being somewhat reminiscent of the bands earlier work.

Understandably this isn't The Get Up Kids re-creating the past, instead it's a step forward and sees them in a new direction, one which at first sounds indifferent and unfamiliar but 'There Are Rules' is one of those records that grows on you listen after listen. Despite the approach being off putting at first, as always the band's song-writing and musical ability manages to draw you and keeps you listening from start to finish. Although this isn't going to be ranked alongside the bands "classic" work, it is still appreciative and given a chance can become highly favourable.

4/5

'There Are Rules' by The Get Up Kids is available now in the US and on February 28th in the UK through Quality Hill Records.

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Sean Reid