Reviewed by Jeremy Williams

Just 14 months after the release of their debut album, Kids In The Way return with 'Apparitions Of Melody'. Frontman David Belsue shouts more and the whole sound is heavier, tighter and stronger, in line with American emocore acts like Thrice or Thursday. Lyrically too, KITW have pushed a little further, drawing in a whole range of ideas. "Last Day Of 1888" was inspired by a suspect falsely accused of being Jack The Ripper, and the imagery of "Blind Behind The Wheel" or "Even Snakes Have Hearts" is powerful and thought provoking. The band save the surprises for the end: a cover of the Tears For Fears oldie "Head Over Heels", complete with a two-second flash of '80s synth, a piano line and layers of backing vocals. Slow burner "This Could Be The Song That Will Change Your Heart" closes the album, finally lifting the mood on this intense, uncompromising and excellent album.

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