“Faith Crisis Pt 1” Middle Kids
Alt rock and synth pop trio from Sydney, Australia — fronted by multi-instrumentalist and lead vocalist, Hannah Joy. Also in the band is bass guitarist, Tim Fitz (Joy’s husband), and drummer Harry Day. Third album, a follow-up to 2021’s “Today We’re The Greatest.” The title reflects a theme of exploring life’s highs and lows, while always believing there’s hope even in the darkest times. The songs remain uplifting and reaffirming even when focused on sometimes painful subjects. This album also sees Middle Kids adding more synths and organ to their previous guitar-based sound. Excellent critical acceptance. RIYL: MUNA, HAIM, Boygenius, Angie McMahon, Alex Lahey.
— Francis

Highly recommended: 6, 5, 2, 7, 9, 10, 3, 13. FCCs on Tracks 14 and 15.

1. (1:45) Petition — Brief opener. Driving, punchy alt rock with rapid muted guitar notes and uplifting choruses.
2. (2:58) Dramamine — Confident and infectious. Strummy guitar and flowing synths over a syncopated beat. Harmonized backing vocals in the choruses. ****
3. (3:17) The Blessings — Anthemic. Deliberate tempo. Pulsing bass and synths. Swells into big choruses. ***
4. (1:15) The Blessings Interlude — Slow, swirling churchlike interlude. Largely instrumental with a few vocal expressions, but no real lyrics.
5. (3:21) Bootleg Firecracker — Swaying, languid introspective folk ballad. Very MUNA-like. A mix of raw, emotive and sweet vocals. Synth effects and some strings. Shimmering play-out. ****
6. (3:32) Highlands — Soaring, propulsive synth pop anthem. Storytelling vocals. Captivating drum track over a rapid bass line. ****
7. (3:50) Bend (Radio Edit) — Opens sad, slow and strummy. Quavering vocals. Builds to a bigger sound in the two choruses. ***
8. (2:42) Go To Sleep On Me — Intimate with a skipping rhythm and bass line. Heavily reverbed vocals. Synths and some effects layered as well.
9. (2:52) Terrible News — An unbridled indie rock shout. Urgent, with insistent strumming and brass added in the lead break. ***
10. (2:55) Philosophy (Radio Edit) — Effortless, melodic synth pop. Catchy and fun, with fuzzy guitar in the choruses. ***
11. (3:31) Your Side, Forever — Ambling and easy. Another comfortable pop tune with reassuring chord progressions and a hooky drum line. Segues into Track 12.
12. (1:34) Your Side Interlude — Flowing, laid-back guitar, synth and piano play-out of Track 11 (if on ‘continuous.’)
13. (3:11) All In My Head (With Dave Le’aupepe) — Sad, slow closer. Piano ballad with some shimmering synth effects in the background. Vocals shared by Hannah Joy and guest, Dave Le-aupepe. ***
14. (3:50) Bend (Unedited) FCC: fucked — Unedited version of track 7.
15. (2:55) Philosophy (Unedited) FCC: fuck — Unedited version of track 10.