December Birthdays 
This is the debut release from the South Bend, Indiana surf quartet whose mutual love of Dick Dale got them started back in 2018. Their energy, influences and reverb-soaked goodness have even made me overcome my undying hatred of puns, which is no small feat my friends. I also like that one or more of the members of this band are hardcore classic rock fans, if not straight-up metal heads. You can definitely hear those influences in the songs right from the start, and it may be what sets the ‘Kills apart from the average group that simply studied the Ventures playbook. Don’t get me wrong though, it’s still classic surf throughout and the production of the LP could definitely fool some untuned ears into thinking it came out 40 years ago. A good example of this is the track Grit, which was one of my favorites along with Drawn and Quartered, and Dog Days. I hear a heavy Shadowey Men on a Shadowey Planet vibe lacing through the record, along with some other more new wave-y influences like the B-52’s and the Dead Milkmen believe it or not. (see: A Horse Named Artax) As I said, it’s still surf music, it just comes from a lot of different places, which is what I think makes it cool. I have never had the opportunity to see them live, but I’m guessing that they are a gas. The songs are dynamic, with solid tones and some blistering leads - always a good combo that rarely disappoints. These fellas are not one-trick ponies - the songs are varied and well done, which is an accomplishment for any debut recording. I expect that these chaps are only getting started. Check it.
By Jeremy S. Grites - Exotica Moderne Magazine
houseoftabu.com
