In 1999 Kick released their debut album “Consider This” through Steve Harris’s Beast Records label. The album was an inspired effort by a young band that shone mostly because of the enthusiasm it oozed from every pore. Some excellent songs were on that record, like the title track, “Let’s Make Love Tonight”, “Up Close & Personal” and the ballad “Blue”, which was featured twice; once full-fledged and once in a stripped down piano/vocal version. When I got a note that the new Kick album was in, I didn’t hesitate and offered to review this one as well, since I’ve grown to be quite fond of “Consider This” over the last 2 years. Kick has left some of their innocence and freshness behind for a more mature and slightly heavier approach to their second effort. Instantly recognizable are Nick Workman’s vocals. His voice has steadied (he overdid some of the stuff on “Consider This” to my taste, growing weaker in the higher regions of his vocal range) but hasn’t lost the characteristic clarity. No matter how broadly a song is arranged, Nick’s voice cuts through it like a knife. Original drummer Adam Schunker has left the band and was replaced by Benjy Reed, who does a great job laying the foundation together with bassist Mikey J. Both Olli Cunningham (keyboards) and Chris Jones (guitars) get plenty of room in the material. The latter taking the lead stuff to a higher level than on Kick’s previous recording. However, the keyboards largely define the Kick sound I reckon, with luscious layers of warm strings, organs and pads, adding a warm atmosphere to the overall heavier material.

As on “Consider This” there’s some experimenting with (slightly) distorted vocals on the title track, which is, by the way, an excellent example of new-guy Benjy’s work behind the drum-kit. Ride and kick-driven drums throughout. “Time” is a song that could just as well have been included on the debut album; a poppy track, with great delayed guitar work, reminiscent of U2’s Edge. Definitely one of my favorite tracks! This might even be my disappointed. I loved the poppy approach Kick took towards their first album, and I must say that their departure towards heavier ground is a natural development, but leaves me longing for more songs like “Time”. However, cheesy songs like “Another Crazy Summer Night” off their debut album would not have fitted in on “Sweet Lick Of Fire” and the album is overall pretty well balanced. Playing time is somewhat short. One or two extra tracks would have been nice, but given the length of the songs offered, the playing time is acceptable. After all, eleven tracks is fairly common, and the previous record, as mentioned, had once song featured twice. Overall, a good album, and a slight step in a different direction that might or might not please you. Decide for yourself: least you can do is give it a spin. Especially if you liked “Consider This”.