POOL KIDS REFLECTIVE AND DYNAMIC SOUND SOLIDIFIES IN JUNIOR RECORD ‘EASIER SAID THAN DONE’
Most artists might stumble after receiving an endorsement as prestigious as one from Hayley Williams — but not Pool Kids. Instead, the Midwest emo-adjacent, indie-ish darlings continually push themselves creatively. Their latest record, Easier Said Than Done, reflects these risks. Pool Kids and I share one experience in common: before recording this album, Christine Goodwyne was diagnosed with OCD. She told Epitaph that the condition can “just rob your life of joy.” From experience, she’s right, making it essential to approach this review with that context in mind. Not to coddle her condition, but to illuminate the creative process. Conditions like OCD inevitably influence every aspect of life — including artistry — yet Goodwyne’s work deserves recognition beyond her diagnosis.
Understanding OCD helps explain many of her thought patterns. Her tendency to overthink to the point of rumination is apparent throughout the record. Songs like “Last Words” and “Dani” reflect this, but subtle hints of doubt and reflection appear even in her happier moments, presumably stemming from obsessive rumination. Treatment can help, but the specific kind of internal turmoil that OCD brings is vividly mirrored in Goodwyne’s lyricism. Naturally, the album is about much more than this, but acknowledging it provides a fuller picture of her work. By being so candid about her experience, Goodwyne not only deepens her artistry but also offers a potential lifeline to fans navigating similar struggles.
Sonically, it’s no secret why Miss Williams (if ya nasty) resonated with Pool Kids’ breakthrough record, Music To Practice Safe Sex To (2018). I cautiously compare female-led bands to Paramore. It’s become such a trope that I admittedly evade it at all costs. This time, though, it’s warranted. Pool Kids effectively mirrors Paramore’s thoughtful approach to music, especially sonically. They similarly borrow from pop, rock, pop-punk, and Midwest emo to create something entirely new. Plus, Goodwyne’s vocal range prioritizes a clean, healthy belt that easily matches that of Williams’. Though not every song is an instant classic, each track in Easier Said Than Done will age incredibly well given these specifics.
Lyrically, the record spares no prisoners. It gets as deep as it possibly can. Goodwyne’s OCD seemingly does influence her writing style, especially in the meticulous attention to detail within it. Those of us who can relate understand that it’s not necessarily about things being in order, but instead, the “what ifs” that come with producing anything. If something isn’t perfectly accurate or articulate, something bad will happen as a result. These thought patterns are inexplicable to most who will never have to deal with them. Outside of this observation, Goodwyne’s writing doesn’t rely too heavily on one topic. Instead, she carefully organizes her thoughts about a multitude of experiences. These days, plenty of breakup songs exist — and there are some in this record. However, she writes about other things, like longing and self-reflection. Each time those ideas appear in her writing, the song becomes more engaging for audiences. “Sorry Not Sorry” details struggles with alcoholism, a painful reality for many.
Production-wise, the record sounds polished, but not perfect. Its stripped-down style leans more analog, though I can’t confirm that it was recorded that way. The record leans more pop than their earlier work. This still fits the band’s DIY ethos, though. Signing to Epitaph didn’t strip the band of its inherent charms. If anything, it accentuated them, a pattern of the label’s. Epitaph sits at the sweet spot of DIY and major; artists like The All-American Rejects can play house shows in backyards, and Pool Kids can make a pop record that’s still Midwest emo. The overall production value of a record is mainly dependent on the care placed upon the work by the artist’s team. Given Pool Kids’ alignment to DIY and Midwest emo, they needed producers who could gracefully handle the genre’s sonic melodrama. They indeed found their people. A production highlight includes the vocoder at the top of the LP. The titular track establishes a healthy crescendo that continues throughout the record.
Though imperfect, Easier Said Than Done is an excellent third album for Pool Kids. It earnestly vocalizes the human experience to the tune of Midwest-emo-bubblegum-pop, which Pool Kids may have invented in the post-Paramore era. That’s a lot of words that might mean nothing to you. Regardless, Easier Said Than Done offers a lot of words that should mean a lot to you. The group has found its voice since Music To Practice Safe Sex To. Even if this isn’t my favorite Pool Kids record, I can appreciate it for what it is: an explorative venture into music and its possibilities. Pool Kids has proved that music’s possibilities are, genuinely, limitless.