It's Karma It's Cool - One Million Suburban Sunsets (2025) Hi-Res

From Lincoln, fourth album from a band who burst the confines of the genre they are best known for. It’s Karma It’s Cool are now a proper contemporary rock band in search of an audience who want big anthemic tunes, stadium-sized angst that somehow lifts you out of a generational mid-life crisis. Ged Babey waves his lighter in the air.

There are not many bands like this I can honestly say I really-like… The Manics, Placebo, Muse (in moderation) – the ‘arena gig’ is not my natural habitat, I much prefer the small venue. Which is where you will actually find It’s Karma It’s Cool, but it’s just they sound ready for big, open-air stages based on this new album.

It was one song that got me hooked. I wrote about it. ‘A Kick-ass English REM’. The previous single was great too. Then I discovered they are one of my ‘net mate’ Barry’s favourite bands. Nothing better than a personal recommendation.

It’s Karma It’s Cool go for a big sound on this album, a ‘play loud’ rock and roll sound – BUT, at the same time they have quiet, tuneful, melodic moments and words of wisdom to whisper in your ear. Melancholy and bombast. Tears and little victories. Adversity and anthems to punch the air to.

They aren’t a young band, but they aren’t old geezers, this is them taking stock and taking onboard the whole history of popular rock music from the 60’s to now. The benchmarks being (probably) the Beatles, the Byrds, Nirvana and Radiohead, via U2 and REM…(and more) and making their own music out of their varied influences.