![News Added Sep 02, 2016 It’s not every day that an album has the perfect opening track, but “Kickin’ da leaves” by Judah and the Lion is absolutely excellent. The layers harmonies and upbeat tempo introduce a fun-the-whole-way-through album. Seriously this is the kind of album that is so infectious and enjoyable, it seems impossible […]](https://hasitleaked.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/cover600x600-3-320x320.jpeg "Judah And The Lion : Kids These Days")
It’s not every day that an album has the perfect opening track, but “Kickin’ da leaves” by Judah and the Lion is absolutely excellent. The layers harmonies and upbeat tempo introduce a fun-the-whole-way-through album. Seriously this is the kind of album that is so infectious and enjoyable, it seems impossible not to like.
The second track “Hold On” also has the impeccable string work and upbeat tempo, allowing for the high energy of the opener to carry on to the rest of the album. There’s something about this sound that begs for HUGE stages. As much as we tend to think of folk music as being for summer festivals and small listening venues, this kind of track begs for massive arenas. The banjo part is really exciting, giving the song both levity and sincerity. The message of the song is about urging a friend to “hold on,” but when they’re feeling like letting go they should “do your hippy dance.” Amen to that.
Just when you think “okay, got these guys” then the contemplative, even sweet “Everything Changes” slows things down. Even though it becomes anthemic in its own way, the down beat nature of the track at the beginning begs that listeners lean in a bit, letting the lyrics marinate in the mind a bit more deeply. The song and sound reminds me of something Green River Ordinance or NeedToBreathe might produce. Oh… but then… that banjo! “You don’t change for anything!”
