ALBUM REVIEW: Kiwi Jr. – Cooler Returns

Sub Pop

Released: 22.01.21

Kiwi Jr. are nothing if not prolific. Were it not for the sprawling purgatory of the global pandemic and its subsequent lockdowns it might feel as if no time at all had passed since the Canadian bunch released debut album Football Money.

Just 12 months later, fuelled by boredom and a hungry wit, they’re back with another splendid slice of jangly alt. goodness. Equal parts college rock ardour, dreamy Americana and metropolitan swagger, their concoction of influences proves to be a winning formula. Undoubtedly though, it’s the Torontonians’ lyrical prowess that stands tall here – a living, breathing collage of palpable anecdotes and wry observations, delivered with an almost Beatnik-esque poise. All in all, Cooler Returns is a bloody good album full of vivid charm.