Washington - Rich Kids

Wed 19th May, 2010 in Music Reviews

Rich Kids is the latest offering of the folk-tinged pop songs Washington has become known for. With the five songs totalling less than fifteen minutes, the EP is short and sweet.

Opening with title track, the full band is utilised and showcases a more upbeat pop sound than any other song on the release. The full band sound that is found here can sometimes come across as too pop/radio friendly; it sometimes distracts from Washington’s impressive lyrics and their delivery. 1997 continues the use of the full band, but to a better effect than Rich Kids. A chorus of voices backs Washington at times and gives the song a vibrant feel.

Someone Else In Mind sounds quite similar to Welcome Stranger, off the band’s debut EP. The simply plucked guitar allows Washington’s voice and song writing to come to the forefront of the sound- a definite advantage. The Belly Of The Whale sees Washington’s voice backed by an organ; her childlike humming giving a new sense of innocence and could be compared to a slower track off the Where The Wild Things Are soundtrack.

The songstress takes to a piano for closing track Five And Ten. Much like the previous track, softer and simpler instrumentation highlights Washington’s excellent song writing and lovely vocals.

Both sides of the band’s sound are on display here, and both are utterly fantastic when they get it right.