The Sidekicks – Runners in the Nerved World

If us Brits can be summed up by one statement, it’s that we’re gluttons for a good indie band. There’s something so scintillating about the raw and carefree vibe, and providentially, there’s always a vast array of colourful groups. The Sidekicks are one such band, and the release of their new album Runners in the Nerved World is a development for anyone with a soft spot for the genre. Don’t expect anything too pioneering and adventurous, though, or you’ll be gravely disappointed.

Upon first hearing the album you may be overwhelmed by a perplexing sensation of déjà vu. “I’ve heard this before” you’ll be muttering under your breath, and you’ll be partially correct, because the group have a lack of individuality and sound like a unjust amalgamation of several other indie groups. Don’t let that put you off too much, because there are some redeeming tracks on the album that go some way towards making up for the lack of personality. Deer, for example, is a truly beautiful song, with sensitive, storytelling lyrics. Hell Is Warm is another stand-out tune that one could envisage being repeatedly played on Radio 1.

The rest of the album all fades into one monotonous blur unfortunately, which is a true shame. The Sidekicks clearly have the ingredients to make good music, but Runners in the Nerved World was sadly made following a done-to-death recipe, with not enough flavour added. It would be a lie to say that the album is one-of-a-kind, but if you take them for what they are, you may just enjoy the playful camaraderie of Runners in the Nerved World and use it for motivational background noise if nothing else.

Keira Trethowan

Runners in the Nerved World was released on 16^th January 2015, for further information or to order the album visit here.

Watch the video for Deer here: