Kiwi Jr. - “The Sound of Music”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 9; Popularity Index: 4

Pairs Well With…The Modern Lovers, The Lemon Twigs, The Strokes

Chopper, Kiwi Jr.’s third full-length of crisp, modern power pop, continues to solidify the Canadian band as can’t-miss songwriters with a knack for compact melodies. They aren’t 60s revivalists however, rather a band that filters those influences into a modern, garage-pop atmosphere. Each track on Chopper is an exercise in efficiency; in lieu of traveling off the path, Kiwi Jr. just make it a better path. After being hit with the pandemic cancelation is 2020, I did get to catch Kiwi Jr. perform an excellent set at SXSW last year previewing some of these Chopper tracks. It was a performance that showed the band’s resilience as they were down a member due to Covid and still ripped it up as a tight power trio. (Kevin McStravick)

2022 Review: Kiwi Jr.’s 2021 sophomore record Cooler Returns is a strong continuation of the Canadian band’s throwback rock and roll performance, but it’s notably catchy, filled with timeless pop hooks. Kiwi Jr. play under a distinct garage pop setting, laying down tight and grungy rock riffs with timeless, power pop precision. Their songwriting stands out fully here, relatable lyrics of hopeful punk spirit and delivered with make-it-sound-easy energy. There’s a ‘don’t miss’ quality across Cooler Returns - every song here is memorable and could be a hit single in any era, from classic rock to NYC post-punk to pandemic-anxiety times of today.