philadelphia guitarist / vocalist kurt vile first came to music enthusiasts' attention with the release of 2008's 'constant hitmaker' on the gulcher imprint. the homemade hitmaker (also reissued on vinyl through woodsist) was a psych pop gem. his debut matador album, 'childish prodigy' ups the fidelity only a little. this absorbing, addictive and richly detailed album covers an immense amount of ground compared to its predecessor, from the pounding stomp of 'hunchback' and the hypnotic beat of 'freak train' to the unexpected, soaring trumpet in 'amplifier.'