When last we reviewed CHILD SUPPORT, we weren’t sure what direction they’d head musically. I’m still not sure; this is a pretty mixed bag of poppish-punk, new wave, experimentation, pop-rock, etc. Lyrics are above par in theme and intelligence, but this record will probably only appeal to the more open-minded or dance-oriented (not one and the same) folks.
One raunchy LINK WRAY-ish tune, one world beat-ish tune a la the BEATLES “She Said,” one ballad and one college FM-sounding instrumental. For a band that can rock, they sure seem shy to do it on vinyl, opting instead for a commercial sound.
On their second album CHILD SUPPORT have pared down to a three piece and left behind their garage/punk sound for a more mature sound. There’s a stamp of later-period BEATLES experimental pop all over this but It’s not obnoxious like some pop bands. Still a few hard guitar numbers but mostly it’s relaxed, well thought-out pop.
