When I was asked to listen to and review Kid Canaveral’s ‘A Left And Right’ for PodcART, I’ll be thoroughly honest and say I was a little intimidated to say the least. The excitement surrounding this band is unavoidable, they have an earnest and positive aura which is so obviously deserved. The repeat function on my old, decrepit MP3 player is exhausted.

This EP is firstly a collection of energetic, sunny songs. Secondly, but by no means less important, fantastically refreshing! The track ‘Left And Right’ is an unapologetic and beautiful ode to the random meeting of Mr/Miss Perfect on the street and having them engrained in your memory for days afterward. The song has the same effect; with its irresistible catchy beat and cheeky punk guitar that you’ll definitely want to request on upcoming outings to indie club nights.

Given their past comparisons to The Magic Numbers and The Undertones, one might consider that Kid Canaveral would be frightened to venture so far down the pop road, however, they’ve made it all their own. ‘Stretching the line’ (as featured in the podcast) is ludicrously head-boppy and is bound to get ears pricking wherever it’s played. The line ‘I was the most hung over man in the places I went’ is a touchstone lyric that’s impossible not to relate to (well, for the over 18s, obviously).

With the longest track being just 3 minutes, the songs are a playful slap in the chops. The beats and melodies scarper around and make for an elevating listen. Even with the melancholic ‘Long in the tooth’; a song for jilted lovers everywhere, the youthful outlook is not lost. It sounds stroppy and obtuse yet there is a genuine humour within the song that is a persistent theme in all 3 tracks. Lyrically the songs are stunning. Almost paradoxical to the arrangements the sentiment of the lyrics are fragile and naïve but not immature. It’s like coming out on the other side of pubescent self consciousness and still being able to laugh about it.

There is a definite feel of young love and adventure to the EP. The fact that they’ve released it on a CASSETTE no less is a testament to the bands fun loving approach to making music, and may I say, a genius move in my opinion. It’s both excitable and frivolous and will leave you craving a beer and a jig. My only hope is that they continue to explore and manipulate the indie, pop and punk genres to their mould. Before long we’ll all be humming along to the countless memorable melodies they’ve yet to churn out.

Should you wish (and you should) to get a feel for this band in a live environment you’ll catch them as they embark on a UK wide tour starting Saturday 3rd October in Edinburgh’s The Bowery, making their way down the UK throughout the month.

Check out the bands Myspace HERE for information on the upcoming gigs and musical hi-jinx and you can also find all links to purchase EP. In addition, delve into the delights of the ‘Left and a right’ playground.

Nicola Blair