You might think that Irish folk-rockers Kodaline are busy making a name for themselves with their ‘debut’ album In a Perfect World, which released back in June, and in a way you would be right. However, these guys have actually been hard at music making for a little while longer than people are aware, having existed from 2005 to 2011 under the name 21 Demands. In 2007 they achieved a good measure of notoriety in their home country for having the first independent single in Ireland’s history to ever top the Irish singles chart. So yes, In a Perfect World might be their first ever full-length album, but fans of their music have been rocking along to them for years by now.
The thing that will make Kodaline appealing to many is that they have an infectious nostalgic ‘90s vibe that is an equal parts modernism. Key tracks are “All I Want”, “High Hopes”, and the exquisitely upbeat “All Comes Down”. It’s hard not to feel optimistic about life when you hear songs like that one. Also, if you’re looking for encouragement, watch the amazing music video for “High Hopes”.
Some of these songs such as “All I Want” and “Pray” weren’t exactly new by the time In a Perfect World released in June, as they were included on The Kodaline EP that was released in back in September 2012, probably as a way to satiate fans. But it’s been cool to hear the songs from that release that are also on In A Perfect World within the context of the other songs on the album.
There are times here and there when the album seems to drag and songs like “Big Bad World” or “The Answer” don’t do much to stand out among the rest. Perhaps that’s evidence that Kodaline should subscribe to the increasingly popular method of releasing a few songs at a time as we are seeing more and more these days and which has proven successful for them in the past. Either way, they craft catchy songs with depth and In a Perfect World, while far from perfect, is a good album that makes it easy to anticipate how quickly they will be able to throw together a sophomore effort.
Kodaline – All Comes Down
