Kiwi Jr.: Football Money [Album Review]

Kiwi Jr.
Football Money
Mint/Persona Non Grata Records [2019/2020]

TFN Album Review: Here is a record I have been sitting on for a bit as this Friday will see the world-wide release of Football Money, the debut album from Toronto’s Kiwi Jr. The album is being released via Persona Non Grata Records and follows its 2019 Canadian release on Mint Records. The band is your modern-day Pavement that runs around with Parquet Courts and has dinner with Spoon.

Football Money has one-foot tapper after another with its embracing guitars all wrapped around the idea of slacker rock. Lead by the swagger attitude of Jeremey Gaudet’s vocals these ten tracks stand tall as he quickly becomes your best buddy and almost encourages you to join the harmonizing sing along pieces throughout the record.

The hand holding swaying tempo on “Comeback Baby” is addicting while the pogo pop during “Leslie” will have you turning the volume knob up. Kiwi Jr. has plenty of catchy and memorable lyrics which complete the album like during “Salary Man” when Gaudet sings “I am a salary man, I want cigarettes from Japan, that taste like oranges” or on the title track the line “But they pay me to hit home runs they don’t pay me to stand in the sun.” This snappy wordplay works as the lines come off with the perfect touch of satire and reach an honorable Pavement level.

Kiwi Jr. is a solid indie rock band and Football Money will grab any fan of the genre. What seems to be such a simple delivery is actually really hard to pull off without sounding too copy cat or sounding like a band that is trying too hard. Kiwi Jr. is neither with these confident ten tracks and Football Money will have you coming back for more. Get your party ready because Kiwi Jr. is here to entertain!

Kiwi Jr. Website
Kiwi Jr. Facebook
Mint Records
Persona Non Grata Records

– Reviewed by Christopher Anthony

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Christopher Anthony

Christopher Anthony, a passionate supporter of new music, managed a record store and produced alternative video shows in the '90s. Transitioning into the 2000s, he became a prolific music blogger, chronicling the scene with a positive view. His mission: to discover the latest indie releases and share them with you!

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