Kids Can't Fly

Kids Can't Fly

Kids Can't Fly are a pop punk group from Southampton, England, active from 2006 to 2014. Their sound combines pop punk with ska punk and easycore, and they also draw on ska and reggae influences. They are typically described as ska pop punk, and their music is noted for its use of horns alongside guitar-driven punk structures.

Line-up

The group’s line-up includes lead singer and guitarist Robin Black, bass guitarist Tom Dowd, guitarist Dan Parkinson, saxophonist Dave Matthews, drummer Scott Wilson and trumpet player Chris Booroff. Black and Matthews remain constant members through the band’s changes in personnel. Wilson is the founding drummer; he leaves in 2011 and later rejoins in 2012.

Releases and development

Kids Can't Fly release four extended plays and four singles. Their early output includes The Take Off EP (2006), No Joy for the Jealous (2007), Strength In Numbers (2010) and Northern Horizons (2012). Over this period, the band goes through several line-up changes, which they attribute to some members being uncertain about continuing in the music industry.

Style and influences

The band’s early influences include Reel Big Fish and Less Than Jake, with later influence coming more strongly from Four Year Strong and Fall Out Boy. Robin Black’s vocals are often compared with Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy, and Black’s accent is a noticeable part of his singing style. The band is also described as “English Fall Out Boy” and as “Four Year Strong with horns”.

End of the band

After two years of inactivity, Kids Can't Fly split in 2014. Before ending, they play a short UK farewell tour to mark the split.