8/10

Nostalgia is a powerful thing. And while the indie / nu-rave scene of the late noughties brought us some of the most memorable tracks and bands of the century so far, the era was also plagued with numerous one-hit-wonders who failed to make a lasting impact in an overcrowded market. One of these bands were Black Kids, whose breakthrough single ‘I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You’ was one of the big indie anthems of 2008. Now after nine years in the wilderness, the band are back with their surprise sophomore full-length 'Rookie'.

Allegedly recorded as far back as 2015, Black Kids' sound on this new record plays like a time capsule. The minute to switch on to the opening track 'IFFY', it is like being transported to those days of tight jeans and cheap beer in some underground indie club. Their perky character and catchy tunes remain just as much a part of this release as they did on their debut album ‘Partie Traumatic’, showing us that you needed sacrifice your core sound to make a big return.

As much as it sounds like it belongs with the other landfill indie records from a decade past, 'Rookie' never stops being huge amounts of fun. Black Kids have given us a record that lacks the pomp and ego of many in today's scene and delivered a simple yet effective record from start to finish.