Kenickie
At the Club (Warner Bros.)
by Scott Hefflon
Opening At The Club with a snotty, up-tempo pop gem like “In Your Car,” Kenickie establish themselves as the flamboyant, self-assured rock star darlings the press sucks on like candy and the fans scream along to in their cars and in the clubs. They sing the word “yeah” 72 freakin’ times, as often as not in layered harmonies of bratty “nyah-nyah” sing-song. Surprisingly, the 18 year old gals (and token drummer boy, Johnny X) mix up the post-Primitives, less giggly Go-Go’s peppy pop/punky pop with a touch of rainy day melancholy which overshadows their inexperience and youthful idealism. Teen anthems of scathing criticism, tongue-in-cheek fuck-alls, and the celebration of being young, attractive, and having a world of possibilities before you, Kenickie strike a chord or three that rings true, loud, and proud.