The 1990s' first album (2007 's Cookies) was a raw and immediate rock & roll party with jagged hooks, snarky vocals, and often hilarious lyrics. The follow-up,
Kicks, sadly falls prey to many of the pitfalls of the dreaded sophomore slump, and as a result turns out to be a disappointment. Not that it's a bad album; there are some catchy songs and spunky performances here and there. There are just too many problems with the record for it to be a satisfying success. A little less slickness here, a few more vocal features for Jackie McKeown (who sang most of the leads on Cookies) there and
Kicks may have delivered a few more of the thrills the title promises. ~ Tim Sendra