Riddlin' Kids' sophomore full-length arrives a full two years after
Hurry up and Wait, and finds the Austin combo expanding from the slick
pop-
punk of their first effort. Their harmonies are still in place for
Stop the World, and loud guitars are generally the rule. But in conjunction with producers
Chuck Gladfelter (ex of
Dovetail Joint) and
Paul Ebersold,
the Kids have smoothed out their
punk influences for a broader
rock sound punctuated by big hooks and tingly guitar lines. While
"Promise You Anything" and
"Get to It" are comparable to the brash, energetic
pop-
punk of a groups like
Simple Plan,
"Never Let It Down" and
"Talk of the Town" are more
pop than anything, suggesting the sound of Chicago's
Lucky Boys Confusion. This modified sound suits
Riddlin' Kids really well.
Clint Baker's voice is versatile enough to rasp or soar, and the band hasn't made any concessions in the rowdy guitar department. Instead they apply both those traits to songs with an emphasis on strong, radio-ready hooks that aren't hemmed in by the
pop-
punk demographic. Other
Stop the World highlights include the driving, '80s
rock-inspired
"Revenge," the rousing vestiges of
hardcore in
"Ship Jumper," and the powerful riff of the lead single/title track.
World might sound like a mixed bag to some fans, but in the interim since
Hurry up and Wait,
Riddlin' Kids have found something to give them some definition, and a life beyond
pop-
punk adolescence. ~ Johnny Loftus
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