With a name like Funny Kid and an EP titled The Last Box of Cookies, you wouldn't expect to hear some thrashy hardcore riffing, but here we are. This new band brings a surprisingly solid mix of fast riffs and hard-hitting drums, while also throwing in some unconventional vocal performances that keep things interesting. While the vocal approach is a bit rough around the edges, the real stars of this EP are the riffs, which are undeniably strong and provide a solid backbone to the whole release.
The riffs are the standout feature here, showing off both metalcore and thrash influences in equal measure. Tracks like "Obey the Elders" showcase traditional metalcore riffs, which have that chuggy, palm-muted style that draws comparisons to early 2000s metalcore bands, while "I Forgot" brings the thrashier elements with fast, angular riffs that will have fans of that genre headbanging in no time. These riffs really drive the EP forward and keep things exciting from start to finish, making it clear that the band has a solid grasp on their sound. Even though it's a short release, you'll definitely be satisfied with the riff work throughout.
The drumming is another strong aspect of the EP. It's not just fast; it's also groovy and heavy. On tracks like "Holy Song" and "I Forgot," the drumming has a nice punch to it, with tight snare hits and cymbals that cut through the mix. These songs benefit from the groove the drums bring, helping to give the overall sound more depth and energy. The drumming here really succeeds in adding to the hype, pushing the music forward with a sense of urgency.
However, the bass is a bit of a mixed bag. For most of the EP, it feels underrepresented, like it's been turned down too low in the mix. Tracks like "Burn the Garbage" and "I Forgot" suffer from a lack of bass presence, making them feel a bit thin at times. But on other tracks, like "Holy Song" and "Obey the Elders," the bass is much more present and gives the music a bit more body and weight. It's a little inconsistent, but when the bass is audible, it adds a lot to the overall sound.
Now, the biggest issue with this release lies in the vocals. The vocalist clearly has potential but still seems to be finding his footing. You can hear the youth and inexperience in his screams at times—especially on tracks like "Holy Song" and "Burn the Garbage"—with some noticeable voice cracks and pitch issues that disrupt the flow of the songs. It's a common problem for a band just starting out, and it's something that will likely improve with more practice and vocal technique development. The rawness of the vocals can be endearing at times, but it also creates moments where the emotional punch of the music is somewhat lost.
Despite this, the production on this EP is actually pretty solid. For a debut release, it's clear that the band has put a lot of effort into getting the sound right. The mix is clean enough that you can hear all the elements—guitars, drums, bass, and vocals—without anything being buried. It has a raw, unpolished energy that fits well with the thrashy hardcore style, reminiscent of early As I Lay Dying in its energy and vibe. The production serves the music well and, overall, does a good job of capturing the band's youthful energy.
Ultimately, while The Last Box of Cookies isn't without its flaws, it's a solid debut that shows a lot of potential. The riffs and drumming are the clear highlights, and the production quality is commendable for a new band. The main thing holding them back right now is the vocalist, but that's something that will likely improve as they gain more experience. If Funny Kid can tighten up their sound and continue to refine their vocals, they could turn into something really special in the hardcore scene. There’s a lot of promise here; it just needs a bit more fine-tuning.
RATING:7/10
NOTABLE TRACKS:
Holy Song
Obey The Elders