I’m glad that RIOT KIDZ has lasted over 10 years. With two full lengths, multiple singles and solo EP, the four-piece kept a consistent pace. Now their third full length, 98%, accurately reflects a band that’s sustained itself over the years.
To me, 98% is an album of older punk rock musicians. It’s pushing energy of more mature and experienced musicians who love their genre of choice but have found a way to explore and expand beyond the rigid style rules the style required. RIOT KIDZ have always leaned towards pop punk and that doesn’t change here. The difference is that the band is taking its time on each song.
They’re past needing to prove anything or get approval. 98% also sounds like RIOT KIDZ had definite ideas of the types of songs they wanted to record. The energy feels and comes across as fresh. I will say that the 98% versions of previously released singles, “Nightmare,” “Out of Town,” and “Stunner” fit the album in general, but there is a small separation of the tone between the new and old tracks.
I wonder if the band went back and rerecorded or remixed the tracks again but they come across like stark chapter markers in the album. It doesn’t detract at all, but coming from listening to RIOT KIDZ for so long, there is a noticeable progression between full lengths that was marked by each single release.
Regardless, RIOT KIDZ in 2024 is as strong as when they started. They sound like they know what they’re aiming for and consistently hit that high mark. 98% is a great pop punk album. It may not be pop punk for everyone, but it’s great to me.
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Written by Chris P for Korean Indie.