Despite releasing a number of official mixtapes and gathering a large MySpace presence back when that still meant something, The Cool Kids are just now releasing what is technically their debut album, When Fish Ride Bicycles. Having signed on with Green Label Sound, Mikey Rocks and Chuck Inglish have taken advantage of their new opportunities as Official Emcees to expand on their sound. While some of these changes may be unexpected for first-wave fans, The Cool Kids do still sound like the duo they friend requested years ago.
Known for old-school influenced, percussion heavy beats, Chuck Inglish has added a wider range of instrumentation to his production. The Cool Kids have collectively evolved over time and, for better or worse, their references this time around are a little more current. “Penny Hardaway” (with Ghostface) incorporates string samples and Southern-style high hats, a pretty noticeable departure from the Bake Sale tracks that were all kick drums and emptiness. They go even further on “Swimsuits,” 
bringing in Mayer Hawthorne for a dancey track that just as easily could’ve belonged to Pitbull.
That’s not to say that the songs don’t work: “Gas Station” (with Bun B) is a perfect blend of Inglish and Bun’s sensibilities. “Sour Apples” (with Travis Barker) is another success, bringing The Cool Kids a little closer to the pop audience while still feeling fresh (and continuing to help establish Barker as a viable top producer). Further down, “Roll Call” with Asher Roth, Chip Tha Ripper and Boldy James is a well-executed posse cut where everyone handles their responsibilities properly.
In exchange for a broader sound, however, Chuck and Mikey have lost some of the aesthetic appeal that helped them stand out to begin with. Not everyone will notice the difference right away, but bargain-bin Neptunes tracks (“Get Right”) and club joints (“Boomin”) just aren’t going to be as memorable as the group’s earlier work. More to the point, with nine features on eleven tracks, both rappers get lost in their own songs at times.
Despite losing the laser-like focus of their earlier mixtapes, When Fish Ride Bicycles is a fun, well-made album that brings several welcome additions to their catalogue. The duo still needs to strike the right balance between branching out and trusting their instincts, but if The Cool Kids are trying to leave the past behind, their “debut” does indicate promise for their future.
The Cool Kids – Bundle Up (Directed by BBGUN) from bbgun on Vimeo.
All the leaks were nice so I def look forward to hearing this stuff.
This is basically their follow-up to The Bake Sale, so I haven’t been surprised to see early impressions comparing the difference in prodcution between the two. I think the album is awesome throughout and actually dig the “bargain-bin” Pharrell produced “Get Right” to be one of the best on the album.
Also, only 3 tracks truly have guests, as 4 other guest spots are either singers or drummers.
not nearly what it should be but gotta support… 5 stars
the cool kids are always ahead of the pack in fresh music. there is no other group out there similar to them, and they always put out something sonically pleasing
hella
wow
Cuzz I think they deserved 3.5, dx was right on point it’s slightly better than that Random Axe’s album or Big Seans Album. And WAY better than Wiz Khalifa’s album lol that guy is a bum btw
You must be high, cuz they’re aint no chance the cool kids album is better than big sean or random axe
Black Milk is past his prime, Guilty simppson is stale & boring. Sean Price was he only good thing about Ramdom Axe. With Big Sean I like his raps, but I think Chuck English is on his level & Mikkey is adequate with that being sd Chuck beats on this album was better than No I.D.’s beats on Seans album. As a matter of Fact NO I.D. had Better beats on Mikkey Halsted’s album “The Dark Room”, I advise people to give that a listen if you’re a NO I.D. fan. Another Dilemma with Big Sean’s release is that all 3 mixtapes he had were better than his album (which is why it’s a 3.5/5 instead of a 4/5).
also since you are dissapointed did u rate this?
Good Album
Nice
The Cool Kids sound so flat and boring
5 stars just for that feat. Ghostface Killah
The fish shoulda had some Jordans and a Snapback on lmao swag
cool kids are fucking d.o.p.e
why? because that’s what everyone and their mother would be wearing. Time to get your own style homie. Snapbacks and Jordans are so played out.
Freddie Gibbs, Curren$y & Lupe Fiasco/OR B.o.B shouldve been on this album….
Feeling the LP
cool album art cover hehe
4:20 son
I will give it 4 out of 5. The beats are banging and their flow is different but cool.
still fresh as always. with a bit of a new flavor. but they never disappoint!
can’t even say how long I’ve been waiting for the cool kids to release this album. hopefully they keep making music.
Eh. Too many guests. Good beats, but dudes is hella corny.
so sick of hip hop hipsterism.
What makes The Cool Kids different from every artist out there is there randoms lyrics but it all comes together from time to time. There beats and there lyrics go hand and hand. Listening to Cool Kids is like 90’s rap. Fresh every time not the same bullshit.
It’s “Their” dude…
ANYONE KNOW WHERE I CAN GET THE EXPLICIT VERSION OF THIS BESIDES ITUNES???????????
Cool Kids always come thru. The album is dope, with the exception of ‘Get Right’ and ‘GMC'(Which I feel had more potential. But overall is heat! Spitta and Freddie should have been on ‘Roll Call’ tho. Worth the wait.
P.S.-Big Sean is trash. FOH. No way dude is better than either Chuck or Mike.
dope album enough said
yo, haven’t heard this yet..and I’m a little bit worried since the reviewer is saying they changed up their sound. Their old sound is what made these dudes themselves and stick out. Hope it is still ILL and original. BTW, if yall wanna hear some of the best Cool Kids beats, check out their “Christmas” mixtape with Don Cannon, I think. Beats are fire on that shit!
Leading the charge in summer time albums thus far. Love these dudes.
All I gotta say…FINALLY!!!
…oh n its a dope ass album too!
Shit is ok. Not That great
hella corny
I’ve listened to the album a few times there’s a few head bangers, you can definitely hear there unique delivery, totally different sound. I truly listen to 7-8 of the songs off the album consistently. Not as good as the Bake Sale but defiantly trying to take this to a different level I can understand why some people got lost or didn’t enjoy it. I don’t buy many albums but I like and enjoy this one I found myself nodding my head and listening multiple times