Album Review: NXTOFKIN — Where Did We Go Wrong?
In much the same way that many music journalists and/or critics (this one included) are musicians, so too are many record label heads, especially those of the smaller indie variety. So it is that Gordon Anderson of Real Gone Music released a fine solo album, Moon Man, back in 2020. The Real Gone Music head has a musical family as well; daughter Edie is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. She’s all of sixteen, but Edie plays all the drums on Where Did We Go Wrong?, the debut album from NXTOFKIN. The group is really just Edie and Dad; between them they play all the instruments, write (and mostly co-write) all the songs and sing ‘em too.
Dad and daughter harmonize wonderfully in that genetically-linked way; that said, often as not their harmonies call to mind John Doe and Exene Cervenka of X, who aren’t related. The chaotic punker “Block Party” gives Edie a chance to rip out a lead guitar solo; this she does with aplomb, verve and more than a bit of genuine punk energy. The album is filled with bratty (in a good way) lyrics, stripped-down rock/punk arrangement, gonzo guitar (witness “Bad for Business”) and an indie rock spirit that makes Where Did we Go Wrong? a fun, convertible-top-down, fist-waving fun listen.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.