There's a certain raw energy that Hinds brings to their music, a feeling that's both familiar and exhilarating. Take "Just Like Kids (Miau)" for instance. It’s a track that, on the surface, might seem like a playful jab, a bit of a cheeky commentary. But if you lean in a little closer, you start to hear the layers, the underlying currents of vulnerability and self-awareness.
The lyrics, co-written by Carlotta Cosials, Ana Perrote, and others, paint a picture of external perceptions versus internal realities. Lines like "You're always out of tune" and "Are you Spanish or something wait can you roll your R's" feel like echoes of unsolicited advice or judgments that artists, especially those with a distinct identity, often encounter. It’s that feeling of being scrutinized, of having your authenticity questioned based on superficial traits.
But then there's the counterpoint, the "Nanananananananana" and the chorus: "Just like kids we are late / And our home is far away / We do this we do that / I'm tired of waiting." This is where the song really resonates. It speaks to a shared experience, a sense of being on a journey, perhaps a bit lost, a bit behind, but undeniably together in it. The "prettiest curse" – that phrase itself is a beautiful paradox, suggesting that even the difficult parts of life, the struggles and the uncertainties, hold a certain charm or significance.
It’s interesting how the song touches on the idea of success and how it's perceived. The mention of a friend saying "He said you were successful 'cause your leg" – it’s almost absurd, highlighting how external validation can sometimes be based on the most arbitrary of reasons, completely missing the substance of the work.
What I find so compelling about Hinds, and this song in particular, is their ability to weave these observations about the music industry and societal expectations with a deeply personal, almost confessional tone. It’s not just about calling out perceived flaws in others; it’s about acknowledging their own place within that dynamic, their own struggles with the journey. The "Miau" itself, that little vocal tic, becomes a signature, a playful defiance that says, "This is us, take it or leave it."
Listening to "Just Like Kids (Miau)" feels like catching up with a friend who’s navigating the chaotic, sometimes nonsensical world of making art and living life. There’s a shared understanding, a wink and a nod to the absurdities, and a quiet strength in facing it all, even when you're "riding solo" or feeling a bit out of tune. It’s a reminder that behind the catchy melodies and the energetic performances, there are real stories, real feelings, and a genuine desire to connect.
