Acoustic songwriting duo Make Out Kids, made up of Alan Jaggs and Paul Knewman, were recently part of Punktastic’s monthly compilation with their track, ‘Expecting The Rain’. They’ve now returned with a brand new six track EP bravely titled ‘Idiots’. It’s a record which maintains a lo-fi approach, keeping their folky pop-punk songs stripped down to vocals and guitars whilst recording it all in true D.I.Y fashion from Jagg’s bedroom.
It’s clear the pair are sincere with their songwriting, but it is all rather schmaltzy from an outsider’s perspective. That’s not to say there isn’t something quite endearing about the two of them – as close school friends bonding over songwriting and recording it all from their bedroom, they even have a song dedicated to each other titled, ‘My Best Friend’. “You’re my best / please excuse this cheesy music / but you’re my best friend”, sings Knewman. It’s these gushy overtones though which make it hard to take Juggs and Knewman seriously. One could imagine the pair getting away with their corniness amongst those familiar with the two, but they may find it difficult translating these personal slices of cheese to a normal gigging audience.
‘Childhood Memories’ and ‘In My Town’ are both good efforts at nostalgia and tugging on the heartstrings of the listener, but the pair will need to grow out of their sentimental adolescence if their songwriting is too improve and escape the credulity of a bedroom duo.
ANDREW BAYLISS