Clean Cut Kid – “Emily”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 3 

Pairs Well With…The Raspberries, Smithereens, The Beatles

Earworms are worms you want.  “There’s a hole in your heart” from Clean Cut Kid’s “Emily” is this reviewer’s first from this year’s crop of bands.  Liverpool’s Clean Cut Kid’s indie-power pop rock has a throwback feeling, and not surprisingly, they cite The Beatles as an influence.  The band built a reputation in the U.K. for stomping live sets which bodes well for Austin.  Their lyrics lean towards failed romances but Clean Cut Kid balances sorrow and fun, and sprinkle their sets with humor.  Oh, and you’ll recognized the band during set up – all the male members have facial hair.  (David Zlotnick)