The Little Kicks is a young Aberdeen band who have been around for about five years. Their debut album was upbeat and laced with off-kilter indie pop. Their new album, Shake off Your Troubles, is released through Loosen Up Records...

I really enjoyed The Little Kicks latest LP, Shake off Your Troubles. There's a diversity here that might catch fans a little by surprise.

I was also struck by Steven Milne's voice, which is very reminiscent of A-Ha's more recent input. In fact when I first heard Shake off Your Troubles I was half convinced it was a new A-Ha album - it's in a similar vein to both Analogue (2005) and Foot of the Mountain (2009). And, from time to time he takes on a little of James's Jim Glennie. This is most notable in 'Don't Get Mad, Get Even' which sounds like a weird A-Ha/James collaboration.

In addition, for some bizarre reason when listening to 'Bang The Drum Slowly' I couldn't help but be reminded me of Depeche Mode's 'Personal Jesus'.

It's an impressive and well rounded album which should act as your backdrop to summer 2017.

10

Nick Smithson