KIDS IN THE WAY – Apparitions Of Melody

Kids In The Way (KITW) was initially formed in 1997 by lead vocalist David Paul Pelsue, guitarist & keyboards/background vocalist Nathan Ehman, and drummer/background vocalist Eric Carter. All of the members hail from the Hoosier State (Indiana, USA) and KITW was officially born when Austin Cobb and original bassist Nathan Hughes joined the band, both who have long since gone their separate ways. The release of their successful debut album, Safe From The Losing Fight, started their new beginning and sent them on their way to bigger and better things.

The band’s sophomore release is named Apparitions Of Melody. The band’s line-up is comprised of the initial three founding members plus the addition of a new bassist, who goes by the sole name Willie. If one had to make the call and place KITW under a particular genre, it would have to be New Wave Rock vs. Hard Rock or some derivative of Metal.

The band is decent in its own right, and has talent. Listening to this album/CD brings up an issue that must and should be addressed, more specifically, the singing of David Paul Pelsue. There are some songs, one in particular being “This Could Be The Song That Will Change Your Heart,” where he actually sings and sounds brilliant. Then, there are others where he insists on screaming the lyrics to the point that his vocal cords are straining. Rage and anger are used in singing as an effect for a specific purpose. When all there is left is screaming and straining incorporated into every line, every verse, every chorus, every song … well what do you say then? David does this to excess and it gets old real fast. It takes away from the songs themselves and the overall production of the album/CD.

The CD starts off on a good note with a tune called “Fiction.” The song uses a catchy, but simple enough riff that is repeated several times throughout the song. What grabs your attention is the fact that it isn’t intense or overly difficult to play. Perhaps the simplicity of the riff and how the musicians in the band can create such a sound and bring it to life with their instruments to make it sound the way it does is the reason why it works so well. What makes you want more is the fast-paced bass line that is played in conjunction with the riff. The background vocals are tight and sound amazing. The vocals bring out some anger and rage in Mr. Pelsue’s voice, and he closes out the song with his own style of aggressiveness. This gives the listener some idea of what is in store for them should they dare continue down the same path they have chosen thus far.

Many bands have a killer opening and quickly fizzle from there on out. The next test comes rather quickly … in this case with the second song — the title track. Can it pull its own weight, you may ask. “Apparitions Of Melody” not only does that, but is a big hit in its own right and is also made into a hit video for all the KITW fans out there. The song has a killer bass-line, nice guitar work, great background vocals, and even the lead vocals are good until the screaming begins. Somehow that vocal style just doesn’t work for the song (and for most of the CD as well).

The rest of the CD is somewhat entertaining, except for that pesky screaming. Now, there are times when the screaming or rage in his voice works well within a song, those being “The Seed We’ve Sown” … and “Burt Rutan” — the heaviest song on the CD.

In “Safety In The Darkness,” the boys try something new that isn’t done on the other songs. Near the end, there is a change in the song’s direction. Although subtle, it is quite noticeable and very effective. It is something that KITW might want to investigate further and something that they might want to use conservatively again in the future.

Some of the better songs on the CD, overall, are “Even Snakes Have Hearts,” “Sad And Guilty Ways,” and “The Seed We’ve Sown.” Also, “Getting Over You Getting Over Me” not only has a clever name, but there is a nice mixture and definite chemistry between the guitars and vocals, especially the background vocals. This song has a lot of feeling and emotion that shines through. A very good tune.

KITW also put together a great remake of “Head Over Heels” by the 80’s band Tears For Fears. It was actually written in 1985 by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith off of the band’s second album Songs From The Big Chair. This one is definitely worth a listen.

The closing song on the album/CD, “This Could Be The Song That Will Change Your Heart,” can actually be the band’s masterpiece. It is an absolutely beautiful piece … if you were to buy this CD, you could solely buy it on the merits of this song alone.

From the turnout of this album/CD, one could say that the sophomore jinx is something KITW have nothing to worry about. They have made it to a second album/CD with nary a scar to show for it. As an added treat, the CD comes with a second disc, a DVD that includes music videos of some of their earlier work, “We Are,” “Phoenix With A Heartache,” and the hit “Apparitions Of Melody.” You will also find interviews and behind the scenes footage.