EP Review: Hifi Riff Raff “The Cool Kids”
Ah yes,
Seattle ,the good old days! The era when
young people with long, greasy hair suddenly appeared out of nowhere, barely
knew how to tune their guitars, wore them somewhere around their knees, and
screamed in every possible direction. But let’s come back to reality, because
what Hifi Riff Raff deliver on The Cool Kids doesn’t really sound like
grunge and that’s actually a good thing.
The
Seattle-based band’s debut is a lively, guitar-driven collection that draws
from classic rock, funk, punk, blues, and alternative rock without becoming
trapped by any single genre. Formerly a cover band known as Euphoria, Hifi Riff
Raff clearly bring years of stage experience to their first release of original
material. The result feels confident, loose, and above all, genuinely fun.
“Rock Is Dead” is the obvious opening statement. With its gritty guitars, forceful rhythm section, and Bill Zielinski’s raw vocal delivery, the track takes aim at anyone still claiming rock has run out of things to say. It doesn’t attempt to reinvent the genre; instead, it reminds us why attitude, volume, guitars, and a little rebellion still matter.
“My People”
changes the mood completely, introducing a funky, playful groove and a
wonderfully self-aware sense of humour. It has a classic rock swagger, but the
band doesn’t take itself too seriously. “Detour” then shifts toward pop-punk,
bringing a more emotional dimension as it tells the story of a young mother
fighting to escape difficult circumstances and build her own future.
The two
covers are where Hifi Riff Raff show another side of their musical personality.
Their version of The Beatles’ “Come Together” respects the original while
adding enough of their own character to avoid sounding like a simple
reproduction. “Moonshiner,” meanwhile, receives a heavier and more adventurous
treatment, with gritty slide guitar and extended instrumental passages giving
the traditional song plenty of muscle.
The Cool
Kids is ultimately
a celebration of playing music because you love playing music. Hifi Riff Raff
sound like seasoned musicians having a damn good time, and that enthusiasm is
infectious. It may not be grunge, but it certainly has the spirit of rock and
roll alive and kicking.
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