As a current one woman show here at Amplify the Noise, there’s a lot of music I’m not able to listen to the day it’s released. It could be days, weeks, or in the case of Kikker’s Exoskeleton…months before I discover an artist.
But I think the Universe slides music across my timeline when it’s right and the timing of finally hearing Kikker feels right.
Formed in 2019 in Swansea, Kikker, meaning frog in Dutch, are a four piece consisting of Joe Hoppe (drums), Jake Rowlands (bass), Jacob Winter (vocals, guitars) and Matt Kivi (drums). They released their debut EP Freak Accident, followed by singles “Sweat”, “Spoons, Dog”, “Anxiety Being”, and “Trash”.
While some might be hesitant about the diverse themes explored in the lyrics, ranging from woodlice and worms to chain pubs and anxiety, I urge one to stay and dive deeper past the lyrical facade.
Kikker’s eccentric themes and lyrics are only a glimpse of their true talent. The music itself takes centre stage in Exoskeleton, with the lyrics serving as the delightful icing on the cake.
Each song on Exoskeleton features a rumbling bass that surges like ocean waves and packs a punch like a fierce blow. The guitars add a sticky and sweet touch, soaring and wailing with unbridled joy. Meanwhile, the dynamic drums and powerful vocals form a perfect one-two punch, relentlessly propelling the songs forward with fervour.
With five gritty and punk rock bouncy pit tunes, Kikker’s sophomore EP, Exoskeleton is garage at its finest.
MUST LISTEN TRACKS: “The Louse”, “Anxiety Being”, “Cringe Culture”
FAVOURITE TRACKS: “The Louse”, “Anxiety Being”
