French duo Kids Return drop “1997”, a nostalgic indie pop album full of emotion, rhythm, and youth.
French indie outfit Kids Return unveil 1997, an album that celebrates the romanticism and recklessness of youth through nostalgic melodies, Britpop energy, and raw emotional honesty.
The opening track, “First Choice,” is a summer-ready anthem bursting with jangly guitars and euphoric hooks. “It captures the impulsive, carefree nature of teenage love,” say the band. It’s an invitation into a world of memories, mistakes, and all the magic in between.
“My Hero” pays tribute to a lost loved one with stunning vulnerability, backed by a fevered rhythm and an emotive video starring Céleste Brunnquell. “Time to Time” is described by the duo as “the rawest song we’ve ever made,” while “Teenage Dreams” transforms heartbreak into catharsis in two parts—first resentment, then resolution. 
Side B of 1997 shifts into darker grooves and introspective moods. “Who Knows?” pulses with a hypnotic rhythm, while “Welcome To My Life” captures the cinematic struggle of high school heartache. “Perfect Lover” ties it all together in one dreamy burst of teenage chaos.
Closing with “So Good Alone” and “The Seattle Boat,” the album ends on a poignant note. “We love the idea of ending the album with a farewell, yet one that feels like the start of something new,” Kids Return explain.
1997 is a gorgeously crafted, emotionally intelligent debut—timeless yet fresh, wistful yet forward-looking.
