There isn’t a wide range of punk rock available for kids, and unless I’m mistaken, I thought that Chicago’s THE BOOGERS were the only game in town. Not anymore as the Kindie Rock world now has another band of merry misfits raising their kid-sized fists in the name of rock N’ roll and education. That band is KinderAngst.
Creating an urban world called Alphabet City, KinderAngst is inhabited by characters such as Madison, Violet, Megabyte, and Jack the Rat – each displaying personality traits often found in certain members of the under-10 set. With their world established and a soundtrack that ranges from punk to ska to straight-up garage rock, the New York-based duo of Palmyra Delran and Rachelle Garniez have crafted a fourteen-track collection of kids music worthy of The Rock Father stamp of approval. Figure in an appearance by BLONDIE frontwoman Debbie Harry on the ska-flavored ode to self-sufficiency, “Do it Yourself,” and you’ve got a very unique record to share with the youngsters.
Despite its musical cred, KinderAngst does a great job of turning childhood emotion into colorful lyrics. I’ve never really spoken about “stress on kids,” but I see it in my own toddler, and songs like “Today” capture that and show that it’s ok to be down sometimes. Then you have “A.D.D.” and “Big Time Out” that touch upon the hyperactive and spending time in the naughty spot.
Very cool on a lot of levels, KinderAngst is a lot of things, but above all it’s a lot of fun.
Available on KinderAngst’s Official Site or on iTunes.
The Rock Father Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars
FTC Disclosure: A streaming version of KinderAngst was provided to The Rock Father for Review Consideration. All opinions are that of James Zahn and take into account the reaction of a toddler.