Reggie Youngblood’s vocals remind me a lot of Robert Smith from The Cure. It’s like the Black Kids are a happier version of The Cure (maybe this would be considered high praise if any of the member really liked The Cure). And maybe I’m the only one who will ever say that. Well, a much-anticipated full-length debut from Black Kids was leaked today, and you can find everything from their digital download, Wizard of Ahhhs on Partie Traumatic. Another band that the Black Kids remind me of is Cajun Dance Party, especially on the song “Partie Traumatic.” It’s a song that I’m sure youngsters would love to sing along to.

“Listen to Your Body Tonight” is like one of those retro-dance songs. The track is catchy, filled with some synth pop and light guitar riffs. And, from the lyrics, it’s wistful in a way. “Hurricane Jane” was on the early EP, and it’s still chant-like and fun. I like “I’m Making Eyes At You.”

To be frank, I think I appreciated the version of “I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You” on Wizard of Ahhhs much better than on this album. It’s a tweaked version, but I think the EP version had more passion in it. “I Wanna Be Your Limousine” is fairly decent. “Look At Me (When I Rock Wichoo)” is catchy and fun. This is, in my opinion, one of the highlights on this album. I though of The Go! Team when I first heard the track.

I feel Black Kids tried too hard this time, or that this record was a bit rushed. I don’t know, I wasn’t really feeling it when I was listening to them. Tracks on this album were catchy, but that really isn’t enough, now is it? The songs are less believable, if you will, and I think their first EP was much more promising. However, the proceeding release shows the lack of substance and depth. Yes, you can tell that it’s the Black Kids when a random song of theirs will be played, maybe at a Gap (who knows), but everyone who enjoyed Wizard of Ahhhs expected something better than this. C+