Kids Can't Fly

Last updated

Kids Can't Fly
KCF-2011 2.jpg
Lead singer Robin Black in 2011.
Background information
Origin Southampton, United Kingdom
Genres Pop punk, ska-punk
Years active2006–2014
MembersRobin Black
Dan Parkinson
Dave Matthews
Scott Wilson
Tom Dowd
Chris Booroff
Past membersDrew Comley
Ryan Stanikk
Ash Springle
Elliott Langford
Ben Marion
Dave Ramsey
Jay Havelock
Mark Lant

Kids Can't Fly were a British pop punk band from Southampton, United Kingdom that formed in May 2006. The line up consists of lead singer and guitarist Robin Black, bass guitarist Tom Dowd, guitarist Dan Parkinson, saxophone Dave Matthews, drummer Scott Wilson and trumpet player Chris Booroff. They have released four extended plays and four singles. The band is noted for incorporating ska and reggae influence into pop punk and has been typically described as "ska pop punk".

Contents

The band spent the first six years releasing extended plays like The Take Off EP (2006), No Joy for the Jealous (2007), Strength in Numbers (2010) and Northern Horizons (2012). In this period they also had several line-up changes because of members not feeling sure in continuing in the music industry. Vocalist Robin Black and saxophonist Dave Matthews have been constant members of the band throughout these developments, while Scott Wilson, the founding drummer departed from the band in 2011, but later rejoined in 2012. The band have planned a debut album to be released some time in early 2013, however completed their final tour in 2014.

History

Formation and Strength in Numbers (2006–2010)

Kids Can’t Fly formed in May 2006. [1] The line-up initially consisted of Elliott Langford, Dave Mathews, Alex Heath, Jason Havelock, Mitz and Ryan Stanikk. All six original members were in underground rock bands around the south of England including: Zero Consent, Schoolboy Error, Fandangle, Toupé, Paul Went Home, Big Screen Buddha, Speaking of Losers, After Thought, The Generators and Harpoon Larsen and were all loosely associated to each other. [2] But it wasn't until Ryan Stanikk and Dave Matthews decided to start their own band after several years playing in a variety of south coast bands. Not long after their formation the band undertook their first UK headline tour, upon which they sold out of their debut release, The Take Off EP. [3]

This led to the band guest performing with Zebrahead at Sonisphere Festival 2008 as well as supporting Zebrahead in the United Kingdom in October 2008. [4] This then led on to the band contributing their horn section for Zebrahead on their single Hell Yeah! off their album Phoenix. In July 2010, The band's first single, Everyone premièred on Kerrang! Radio, with a music video being released in late July. The band promoted the song on online social platforms by asking fans to request the song on music channels like Scuzz and Kerrang!. And by 30 July, the music video had reached number one in the Scuzz TV Most Requested chart and held the spot for a week. [4] [3] [5]

The band released their third ep Strength in Numbers in November 2010 and from that was released a double A-side single for She Called Shotgun and Heartstrong on 25 November 2010. The title of the ep makes reference to their growing fanbase in the underground music scene. [6] For the album art, the band was inspired by Sum 41's All Killer No Filler album art and decided to use submitted photos of fans and create collages of the submissions. [2] After the original pressing of the ep was sold out two brand new cover art variants were distributed. [2] The version of She Called Shotgun used for the single re-recorded and distinct from the version featured on their third ep. The band’s second single She Called Shotgun was premièred on Kerrang! TV and the video held the number one most requested spot on Lava TV for two weeks as well as the most requested on Scuzz TV's charts for three weeks. [5]

Line-up instability and Northern Horizons (2011–present)

Kids Can't Fly bass guitarist Elliott Langford (left) and guitarist Dan Parkinson (right) in Scunthorpe, 2011. Langford left the band in 2012. KCF-2011 1.jpg
Kids Can't Fly bass guitarist Elliott Langford (left) and guitarist Dan Parkinson (right) in Scunthorpe, 2011. Langford left the band in 2012.

Kids Can't Fly initially planned to shoot a music video with a live audience on 11 February 2011, however they cancelled the shooting of the video because of the departure of Comley, Stanikk and Wilson. Comley and Wilson both decided to get jobs outside of the music industry. Ryan left the band for "personal and professional reasons". [7] On 21 June 2011 Drew Comley had been announced as the new bassist for Octane OK. [8] In an Interview in December 2011, Robin has said that their departures were related saying "He [Comley] was such an important person in the band, that other members didn't find the group dynamics comfortable any more, and so they also left." [9]

On 11 November 2011 Kids Can't Fly released their third single Esmeralda [10] [11] and later on, in February 2012 Kids Can't Fly announced the release of a fourth single Stick To Your Guns and a new extended play Northern Horizons. [12] They promoted the single by making it available to download for free on 11 February. [13] The announcement of the new single and EP was coupled with a short tour of the United Kingdom with The First, spanning late February into Early March. [14] Footage of the tour was used for the music video for Stick To Your Guns which was released on 21 May 2012. [15] [16]

The band performed at Southampton's Takedown and Middlesbrough's Make A Scene festivals. [12] On 11 May 2012 Kids Can't Fly released Information about the line-up change in the band. With two of the band members: bassist Elliott Langford and drummer Ash Springle, who both only joined the band last year left due to personal choices and desires to pursue careers outside the music industry. While the original Kids Can't Fly drummer Scott Wilson, rejoined as well as two new members joining; Tom Dowd formerly of Nine Days Lane who had supported Kids Can't fly on tour as a bass guitarist and trumpeter Chris Booroff. [17]

Kids Can't Fly's fourth ep Northern Horizons was released on 25 June 2012. The ep was originally titled Good Morning Gentlemen and was originally stated to be released in early 2012. [9] The ep was recorded at the Monnow Valley Studio and was produced by Welsh rock producer Romesh Dodangoda. [12] To promote the release of Northern Horizons the band did a UK tour in June 2012 leading up to the release with These City Lights as a constant support throughout the entire tour. [18] [19]

The band played their final shows in June and July 2014

Musical style and influence

The band has often described themselves as being "basically a pop punk band with a horn section". [18] The band is credited for their incorporation of ska and reggae influences into their music, [5] their music has been considered pop punk, incorporating "punk guitar riffs and a sax and trumpet accompaniment". [19] Their ska punk influence is found in their use of brass instrumentation like saxophones, trombones and trumpets and their ska inspired horn lines and harmonies. [9] [16] Lyrically the band often features tongue-in-cheek lyrics, akin to many pop punk bands. [20] Lyrical themes found through the music all relate to staying positive [11] complicated relationships [9] and "guy meets girl" scenarios. [6] Kids Can't Fly utillises several vocalists in their music. [1] [6]

The band's primary influences shifted with their style, initially taking influence from Reel Big Fish and Less Than Jake, but then taking more prominent influence from Four Year Strong and Fall Out Boy. [9] The band believes that the responsibility for the stylistic change from straight up ska punk was due to the continuous membership change in their early development. [2] The band has stated that if they ever had a chance to tour with bigger bands it would be with either Fall Out Boy, Four Year Strong or Zebrahead. [18] Fall Out Boy's influence on the band has been noted especially in both the fact that Robin Black's vocals resemble and are influenced by Patrick Stump's, [6] while also being nicknamed by critics as "English Fall Out Boy" and a "Four Year Strong with horns". [16] Black's signing style is considered distinct as his accent influences his singing. [20]

Members

Current Members
Former Members

Discography

Extended Plays
Albums
Singles
Compilations

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Mighty Mighty Bosstones</span> American ska punk band

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones were an American ska punk band from Boston, Massachusetts, formed in 1983. From the band's inception, lead vocalist Dicky Barrett, bassist Joe Gittleman, tenor saxophonist Tim "Johnny Vegas" Burton and dancer ("Bosstone") Ben Carr remained constant members. The band's final line-up also included drummer Joe Sirois, saxophonist Leon Silva, guitarist Lawrence Katz, keyboardist John Goetchius, and trombonist Chris Rhodes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reel Big Fish</span> American ska punk band

Reel Big Fish is an American ska punk band from Huntington Beach, California. The band gained mainstream recognition in the mid-to-late 1990s during the third wave of ska with the release of the gold-certified album Turn the Radio Off. Soon after, the band lost mainstream recognition but gained an underground cult following. As of 2006, the band was no longer signed to a major record label and has since been independent. After numerous line-up changes, frontman Aaron Barrett is the last remaining founding member still performing in the band.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fishbone</span> American rock band

Fishbone is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. Formed in 1979, the band plays a fusion of ska, punk, funk, metal, reggae, and soul. AllMusic has described the group as "one of the most distinctive and eclectic alternative rock bands of the late '80s. With their hyperactive, self-conscious diversity, goofy sense of humor, and sharp social commentary, the group gained a sizable cult following".

Ska punk is a fusion genre that mixes ska music and punk rock music. Ska punk tends to feature brass instruments, especially horns such as trumpets, trombones and woodwind instruments like saxophones, making the genre distinct from other forms of punk rock. It is closely tied to third wave ska which reached its zenith in the mid-1990s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zebrahead</span> American rock band

Zebrahead is an American rock band from La Habra, California, formed in 1996. The group's current line-up comprises rapper Ali Tabatabaee, bassist Ben Osmundson, drummer Ed Udhus, lead guitarist Dan Palmer and lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Adrian Estrella. Playing a style of music that merges elements pop-punk and hip hop music, they have released thirteen studio albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Less Than Jake</span> American punk band

Less Than Jake is an American ska punk band from Gainesville, Florida, formed in 1992. The band consists of Chris DeMakes, Roger Lima, Matt Yonker (drums), Buddy Schaub (trombone), and Peter "JR" Wasilewski (saxophone).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Save Ferris</span> American ska punk band

Save Ferris is an American ska punk band formed circa 1995 in Orange County, California, United States. Their name is a reference to the 1986 film Ferris Bueller's Day Off. In 1995, the band began to perform underground venues in Southern California. In 1996, the band won a Grammy showcase award for best unsigned band and a contract with Epic Records. Their album It Means Everything from 1997 was their first full-length album. By 1999, the band moved from ska-pop into pop-punk. After a hiatus, in 2017, Save Ferris released the Checkered Past EP.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Aquabats</span> American rock band

The Aquabats are an American rock band formed in Huntington Beach, California, in 1994. Throughout many fluctuations in the group's line-up, singer the MC Bat Commander and bassist Crash McLarson have remained the band's two constant fixtures. Since 2006, the Aquabats' members also include keyboardist Jimmy the Robot, drummer Ricky Fitness and guitarist Eaglebones Falconhawk.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Voodoo Glow Skulls</span> American ska punk band

Voodoo Glow Skulls are an American ska punk band formed in 1988 in Riverside, California, by brothers Frank, Eddie, and Jorge Casillas and their longtime friend Jerry O'Neill. Voodoo Glow Skulls first played at backyard parties and later at Spanky's Café in their hometown of Riverside, where they played shows with the Angry Samoans, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Firehose, Murphy's Law, and The Dickies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Suburban Legends</span> American ska punk band

Suburban Legends are an American ska punk band that formed in Huntington Beach, California, in 1998 and later based themselves in nearby Santa Ana. After building a fanbase in the Orange County ska scene through their numerous regular performances at the Disneyland Resort, a series of lineup changes in 2005 introduced elements of funk and disco into the group's style.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Big D and the Kids Table</span> American ska punk band

Big D and the Kids Table is a ska punk band formed in October 1995 in Boston, Massachusetts, when its members converged in college. Their first release was on their own Fork in Hand Records label, but have since teamed with Springman Records and SideOneDummy. The band has been noted for its strict DIY work ethic, such as engineering, producing, and releasing their own albums and videos and self-promotion of their own shows.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mad Caddies</span> American ska punk band

The Mad Caddies is an American ska punk band from Solvang, California. The band formed in 1995 and has released seven full-length albums, one live album, and two EPs. To date, Mad Caddies have sold over 500,000 albums worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sonic Boom Six</span> English five-piece band

Sonic Boom Six are an English five-piece band from Manchester, United Kingdom. Their eclectic sound combines different elements of several genres and has been described by Kerrang! as "taking ska, pop, grime, dubstep, punk and metal apart, then rebuilding them as a hyperactive hybrid". Their lyrics tend to focus on social commentary with a live show known for "clashing activism and good times". The band's influences include Bad Brains, Public Enemy, The Fugees, The Specials, The Streets, and The Clash.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Angelo Moore</span> American musician

Angelo Carmen Christopher Moore is an American musician, best known for his work as lead singer and saxophonist for the Los Angeles ska and funk metal band Fishbone. Moore also performs and records under the stage name Dr. Madd Vibe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Army of Freshmen</span> American rock band

Army of Freshmen is an American rock band formed in Ventura, California in 1997. They have performed over 1,500 shows in 13 countries and 43 US states. The band have released three albums and four singles since their first release in 2001. They have also signed with multiple record companies, including Blue Hand Records and 33rd Street Records.

I Voted for Kodos was an American ska punk and pop punk band, signed to Snapdragon Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Loss for Words</span> American pop punk band

A Loss for Words was an American pop punk band from Abington, Massachusetts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Justin Mauriello</span> Musical artist

Justin Mauriello is the lead singer and guitarist for the alternative rock band Darling Thieves, and former guitarist and founding member of punk rock band Zebrahead.

Me Vs Hero were a British rock band from Blackpool, Lancashire, England. The band consisted of lead vocalist Sam Thompson, bassist Michael Booth, guitarists Bobby Pook and Grant Berry and drummer Simon Smith. The band were known for their inclusion of hardcore punk and heavy metal influences to complement their pop punk sound. The band their self-titled EP in January 2009, followed by a second EP release entitled This One's for Our Friend in December 2009, and the following year the band released their debut album Days That Shape Our Lives.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">We Are the Union</span> American ska punk band

We Are the Union is an American ska punk band from Ann Arbor, Michigan, formed in 2005. The band is now based out of California. The band has had many lineup changes since its inception, with vocalist/guitarist Reade Wolcott and bassist Brandon Benson as the only remaining original members. As of 2022, their live lineup often features guest horn players and touring members.

References

Footnotes
  1. 1 2 "Invasion – Kids Can't Fly". Bring The Noise. Retrieved 5 June 2012.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Knapper 2010, p. 32.
  3. 1 2 "Kids Can't Fly". John Packer Ltd . Retrieved 26 June 2012.
  4. 1 2 Knapper 2010, p. 33.
  5. 1 2 3 "Kids Can't Fly, a genre of their own". Get Surrey . S&B Media. 6 April 2011. Retrieved 12 February 2012.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Ben Bridges (12 February 2012). "Album Review: Kids Can't Fly – Strength In Numbers". Alter The Press!. Buzz Media . Retrieved 12 February 2012.
  7. ↑ "Kids Can't Fly Announce Band Members Departure". Alter The Press!. 12 February 2012. Retrieved 12 February 2012.
  8. 1 2 "Octane OK reveal identity of new bassist". Ourzone Magazine. 21 June 2011. Retrieved 12 February 2012.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 Erwin Jaeggi (December 2011). "Kids Can't Fly". Up Magazine (in Dutch) (83). Eindhoven: AMP. OCLC   73636387 . Retrieved 12 February 2012.
  10. ↑ Shane Richardson (12 November 2011). "New Video: Kids Can't Fly – 'Esmeralda'". LiveTheScene.com . Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  11. 1 2 Charlotte Willcocks (27 June 2012). "Kids Can't Fly – Northern Horizons EP Review". Ourzone Magazine . Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  12. 1 2 3 Elliott Batte (23 May 2012). "Kids Can't Fly Announce 'Northern Horizons' EP Release Date". Stereoboard. Eyedigit Limited . Retrieved 24 May 2012.
  13. ↑ "Exclusive Kids Can't Fly free download". Ourzone Magazine. 12 February 2012. Retrieved 12 February 2012.
  14. ↑ "Kids Can't Fly to tour with The First later this month". Dead Press. 14 February 2012. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
  15. ↑ "Kids Can't Fly 'Stick To Your Guns' – Video Exclusive!". Ourzone Magazine. 21 May 2012. Retrieved 24 May 2012.
  16. 1 2 3 Elliott Batte (8 June 2012). "Kids Can't Fly Unveil 'Stick To Your Guns' Video". Stereoboard. Eyedigit Limited. Retrieved 5 June 2012.
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 Kids Can't Fly (17 May 2012). "Kids Can't Fly, Big News!". Archived from the original on 29 November 2012. Retrieved 24 May 2012.
  18. 1 2 3 Nicola Craig (30 March 2012). "Kids Can't Fly | Interviews | hevypedal". hevypedal. Archived from the original on 23 June 2012. Retrieved 7 April 2012.
  19. 1 2 Sarah Gill (19 June 2012). "Review: Kids Can't Fly, The Bodega, by Sarah Gill". This Is Nottingham. Northcliffe Media Limited . Retrieved 22 June 2012.
  20. 1 2 Jonothan Barlow (10 July 2012). "EP: Kids Can't Fly – Northern Horizons". Dead Press. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
Bibliography
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.