Released this week, WHEN YOU’RE A KID, the debut EP from NYC-based SHIRA & FRIENDS, is a five-song, fifteen-minute fireball of family-friendly tunes destined to get the little ones movin’ and groovin.’ What struck me immediately on the opening number and title track is that Shira Kobren’s voice sounds a little like a kid-friendly Liz Phair. The clap-along pop rock shifts gears into a ska-flavored groove for “Dance, Dance, Dance,” while getting punked up for nighttime jam, “Doin’ the PJ.”
With Halloween fast-approaching, “I Want a Monster” just may wind up on the Seasonal Playlist here at Rock Father HQ. Continuing a recent trend of wrapping up an album on a lullaby note, “While I Dream of You” winds things to a close with a soft “Goodnight.”
It might be short, but WHEN YOU’RE A KID packs a lot of punch.
Available direct from http://www.shiraandfriends.com/
The Rock Father Rating: 4/5 Stars
FTC Disclosure: A copy of this EP was provided to The Rock Father for the purpose of review consideration. All opinions are that of James Zahn while taking into account the reaction of a 3-year-old.
