Indie-Music Review

It seems like an age ago that Indie-Music first covered a release by 3 Kisses. In fact, it was 2005, with the release of Wings. Back then, we described the music of Tish Meeks and co. as having a simple sound with an “effect big enough to fill a room.” While some things may have changed, that effect has remained the same.
Over the years, singer Tish Meeks has capitalized on an innate knack to create songs that are catchy but lyrically clever, and honed in on the sound that defines this band. With the release of All or Nothing Hero, the band delivers energetic, smart power-punk in impressive style. This band is tight, and the production value and super clean sound they achieved during recording is worth noting. Punk isn’t always about sloppy guitars, power drumming and the rebel yell; it’s about delivering thought-provoking and emotionally-charged messages. If it happens to be alarmingly catchy while still smacking you in the face with sarcasm, all the better.

Tish Meeks has a vocal range and attitude that rivals Pat Benatar; it’s at once extremely gorgeous and full of grit. She’s in control. And that’s the key to fronting a band that is more than capable of matching her. Lead guitarist Nate Lankford, bass player Scott Roseman and drummer Nate Rouse are all working in pitch-perfect step with Meeks.

The title track opens this album, moving swiftly and assuredly to break the listener in before track after track seems to uptick the intensity level to a fever pitch by the end. How this band makes it out alive after one of their buzzed-about live shows is beyond my scope of comprehension. “Pick Me Up” and “Raise Your Hands” are sure to become live favorites and definitely stood out upon the first spin of the album. “Terminal Adolescents” teems with a metal sensibility and a sly nod to those of us who feel like there’s “no such thing as growing old gracefully.” “Tragedy” is a radio-ready anthem, a simple melody performed with great complexity and shows off the strengths of the entire band. “We’re Through,” however, is simply one of those songs that every girl can relate to, and one that is sure to have females of all ages singing into their hairbrushes and turning up the volume knob.

It might feel fun and full of energy, but Tish Meeks packs a wallop of punch in all her lyrics. This is certainly “party punk,” but it’s also a near-perfect representation of powerful songwriting that feels timeless and celebratory of life. The production might be neat and tidy, but the sentiments are not. It’s a gift to be able to marry those things together musically. 3 Kisses is one of those bands that gets better with age. It’s good to catch up with old friends.