Kids Return Unveil “1997”, a Timeless Debut Full of Heart, Hooks & Hope
French duo Kids Return release “1997”, a nostalgic indie-pop journey that opens with “First Choice” and ends with emotional clarity.
French indie duo Kids Return have officially arrived with 1997, a debut album that sounds like flipping through a photo album of every emotion you felt growing up. Equal parts melodic and moody, 1997 finds a sweet spot between classic Britpop and intimate storytelling.
It opens with “First Choice,” a radiant anthem driven by jangly guitars and summery energy. “It captures the impulsive, carefree nature of teenage love,” the band says—a sentiment that sets the tone for the deeply reflective, emotionally resonant songs that follow.
“My Hero” provides one of the album’s most moving moments, offering a heartfelt tribute to a lost loved one, matched with a visually arresting video starring Céleste Brunnquell. “Time to Time” is “the rawest song we’ve ever made,” the band notes, while “Teenage Dreams” expands across two parts to tell a story of emotional betrayal and personal peace.
The latter half of the album introduces darker hues. “Who Knows?” and “Welcome To My Life” carry a cinematic edge, while “Perfect Lover” captures the contradictions of young passion. Closing tracks “So Good Alone” and “The Seattle Boat” reflect on solitude and transformation.
“We love the idea of ending the album with a farewell, yet one that feels like the start of something new,” Kids Return share.
1997 is an impressive debut: lush, nostalgic, and bursting with heart. A soundtrack for dreamers, misfits, and anyone who remembers how it felt to feel everything at once.