Reviews

Foo Fighters - Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace

"Seems just like yesterday we heard the fast paced, rip roaring “Monkey Wrench”, which would be an introduction to a wonderful journey that the Foo’s took us on “The Colour and The Shape”. So when I heard that the producer behind that album, Gil Norton, had come back for “Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace”, I was immediately pleased.

Upon first listen, I came to the conclusion that it is the same producer, but this isn’t 1997. Gone is the freshness, free flowing straight out Rock that we once knew. In it’s place is a disjointed, typically flawed out LP that has mainstream written all over it. “The Pretender” is a good way to start off things with a calm build up that leads into a monster of a chorus, but towards the end we hear a bridge that awfully sounds a lot like one of their previous hits. That being said it’s still a good choice of a first single to let your fans know that you’re back. However hearing the opening guitar of the noise angst “Let It Die”, it sounds like we’re back on the 2nd disc of “In Your Honour”.

Things pick up again during the chorus, but it seems the former Nirvana skins man has decided to put that “Build it up then Scream!” formula into overtime, making it a little stale. “Erase/Replace” brings back a little essence of the older days, with Grohl telling us to “Pay Attention!” during the crunching riffs and strong thumping beats that have became a Foo’s trademark. Alas tracks such as “Statues”, “Long Road To Ruin” and the rodeo sounding “Summer’s End” cater to the new fans who would’ve gotten into the boys from the played to death “Best Of You”. The one song that does cry poise is the foot tapping “Stranger Things Have Happened” which asserts that the acoustic guitar can still produce a hard edged guitar solo when done right.

Overall it’s an album that has been watered down to please the new recruits that will call themselves Fighters of the Foo, but will still have the long time fan wanting to hear those brief moments of greatness that we know Mr Grohl can produce. "


6/10

Mark L

Reviews - 16/10/07

Art Brut - It's a Bit Complicated

If you liked what you heard on 2005's Bang Bang Rock and Roll, then you'll certainly be satisfied with the latest offering from the cheeky Brit band. Like many similar bands circulating right now it's hard to have your own distinctive sound.

Art Brut have seemingly established themselves to a certain degree with vocalist Eddie Argos unmistakable voice, moreso than the music which becomes quite lacklustre after the 20 minute mark. At least the first record was more straight to the point.

This album has a more mature feel to it which is probably a bad thing, rock anthem "Direct Hit" is the only track that seems like it could have been ripped from Bang Bang. "People in Love" is ever reminiscent of Jonathan Richman's Modern Lovers lyrical theme. Like the Hives, entertaining outfit, rocking and put on a good show but at the end of the day probably leave you wanting just a little more. With all things said, Art Brut rarely stray from their popular formulaic song structure keeping it neat, tidy and easily digestable.

4.5/10

Sean B

Reviews - 15/10/07

Hard Fi - Once Upon a Time in the West

Following up their 2005 debut "Stars of CCTV", Hard-Fi hit back with a slightly more ambitious set of songs. "Surburban Knights" the first single and opening track sets the direction in which the album follows. It's catchy enough, though rather cheesy at the same time.

Throughout the 40 minutes they go back-up singing crazy and the melodies become unavoidabably grating, getting tedious soon after the first listen.

Lacking the zest and emergency of their first album, Once Upon a Time in the West faces the sophomore slump, as it treads similar area but tends not to really experience any new ground. There is the occasional fun to be had in heavy bass riffer "Close My Eyes", the piano laden and Blur influenced "Television" and swaggering "We Need Love". Sadly the album as a whole is quite disengaging at most times, fans need not to worry as a handful of catchy tracks are present in which listeners can sink their teeth into.

5/10

Sean B

Reviews 28/09/07

Wilco - Sky Blue Sky

There's always excitement prior to a Wilco release and "Sky Blue Sky" was no different prior to it hitting the shelves (or rathing, leaking in its digital entirety).

Jeff Tweedy delivers, with his oozing lyrical content, which is always a joy to the ear, while the rest of the Wilco clan a more content on jamming out chord sequences and quirky piano lines as apposed to the lengthy experimentation which made "A Ghost Is Born" such an amazing exploration to endure.

'Impossible Germany' is the closet thing to the band travelling down the experimental road that you will hear on the album, with tracks like 'You are My Face' and 'What Light' some of the more accessible material the band has written to date and this is the template the band use for the a large proportion of the album.

Wilco are very comfortable within this album and although it's not as intricate as previous outings, "Sky Blue Sky" is good for what it truly is and will get better with every listen and won't grow old, unlike many of Wilco's contemporaries.

7.5/10


Do Make Say Think - You, You're A History In Rust

One of the many bands to form from Canada's best in the Broken Social Scene are back with their lastest journey of post rock ditties.

Do Make Say Think have been renown to make solid post rock albums and this latest instalment continues in much the same vein. Without being the pinnacle in the Do Make Say Think canon, it fits nicely into the catalogue of the band's previous workings.

The hard hitting 'The Universe!' and electrifying instrumentation of 'Executioner Blues' are definitely the albums highlights and would most certainly rank along side some of the finest sounds the band have written to date.

"You, You're A History In Rust" continues to establish DMST as one of post rock's most consistent bands. In truth they may not have a classic in them, but the world needs bands that churn out quality everytime entrance is made to the studio and this band is indeed one of them.

7/10

Simon K

The Medicore Report - 28/9/07

Sometimes it's hard to let go of the past, and bands you used to listen to are a great part of that. With your tastes always evolving you are likely to stray away from those artists of yester year though the curiosity in me gets me everytime it seems.

The Nightwatchmen - One Man Revolution

So many people were in anticipation of this solo project of Tom Morello, (Ratm, Audioslave) though when they got there hands on it realised it wasn't what they though it'd be. Gone were the simple effective riffs and rocking sounds, exchanged simply for an acoustic guitar and his own voice. The album is so lacklustre, his voice included. The album is fluent enough to get through but I hope I don't have to hear it again anytime soon. Fan's of his past band should have an open spot for it in their collection.


HIM - Venus Doom

I still think Razorblade Romance is a good record, but damn, post RR it's been a fairly downhill trek for the dudes from Finland. Every album seems to just recycle the efforts of their previous work, not really bringing anything fresh or interesting to their sound. There's only so much a band with the same sound can do before they lose their touch. After listening to this album i'm fairly sure this will be last new music i'll hear from the band unless i read something special.


Turbonegro - Retox

I must admit i'm not familar with any of their material pre-Scandinavian Leather though since then their music has not lived up to that album one bit. Sure it's always fun and rocking but there gets to a point where funny/jokey lyrics become boring and uninspired. This hasnt gotten too bad of reviews. It just doesnt sit well with me, just average usual rock and roll. Time to back catalgoue then anticipate the next record I say.

Best Track - Everyboby Loves a Chubby Dude


Grinspoon - Alibis and Other Lies

Where does a band go after ditching their original sounds for a more commerical rock sound? Do they go back or is there such thing as forward for a band like this? Compare this album to Silverchair's Young Modern, this album has absolutely nothing. If you're not a fan of Young Modern at least you can say they're doing something a little different or if not different, interesting. If this album doesnt win them fans or awards it'll at least cement them a position as one of today's leading Aussie pub rock bands. The riff's havent got any better infact more boring. Phil's seem's to of been practicing his vocals quite a bit to no avail. You know something's wrong with the current state of music when Grinspoon are adding STRINGS to their sound, man that's a joke even if it's not the worst sounding track here. Still like any other Grinspoon record it's all smooth sailing, catchy enough to get you through. Not enough to keep you coming back through.

Best Track - Carried Away

Chris Cornell - Carry On

Left in the lurch by his former band Audioslave with the reformation of Rage Against the Machine. In no time ex-Soundgarden vocalist released his sophomore solo album 7/8 years after his first. The artwork clearly states this is a Cornell only record. The album begins with a boom with generic riffs i used to love, backed up by sloppy vocals. The album has been very poorly recieved and it's not without reason. Included is a slow sombre cover of Michael Jackons's hit "Billie Jean" and James Bond Theme "You Know My Name" which isnt too bad, also thrown into the fold is some country influence and a variety of instruments. The album is hugely inconsistent, going for quantity over quality running over almost an hour with 15 tracks. As everyone says, "Cornell reform your old band everyone else is doing it".

Best Track - Safe and Sound

Sean B

Reviews 23/9/07

Fujiya & Miyagi - Transparent Things

Fujiya & Miyagi are difficult to describe. No, they aren't Japanese. They aren't even a two piece. And although they could be (and often are) lumped into the indie-electronica pseudo-genre (which, as far as I can gather, is basically just what happens when nerds make electronic music instead of drug addicts), I wouldn't at all call them an electronic act. So let's set things straight. They are three men from Brighton, England. There's Fujiya (Steve, synth), Miyagi (David, guitar & vocals)... and um... Ampersand (Matt, bass). And they play bass-groove infused dancey indie-pop, delivered with smooth vocals and peppered with synth. I'll admit, even I think that sounds entirely pretentious. Thankfully, in reality it is unassuming and utterly original.

The first thing you'll notice is the bass. Indeed, it's the central instrument. The guitar and synth are the supporting acts, building upon the groove set by the bass and programmed beats. Thankfully, we're talking real bass guitar here. Holding the sort of tone that no amount of electronics can replicate, and this is why my brain refuses to register any of this as electronic music. It's pop and it's funk. The second thing you'll notice is the vocals. Almost delivered in a loud whisper, and with lyrics possessing such a wry sense of humour. At first, they are just incredibly laid back and intuitively catchy, while further listens uncover an array of strangely original lyrics that somehow manage to be poetic in their blandness. From the very forthright "and we will just pretend to be Japanese, yeah" of Photocopier to "got to get a new pair of shoes, to kick it with her, not kick it with you" of Collarbone (which somehow leads into a "the kneebone's connected to the.. thighbone!" type segment, while losing none of the funk). Indeed, the moment you realise you've been jiving along to "cyclists should ride in designated bicycle zones and not on the pavement" all this time, you can't help but feel a little confused and giggly. Thankfully, it never feels gimmicky.

I'm not even sure how I came across this record. Yet it's become such a regular on my iPod that I struggle to think how I did without. I intentionally draw no artist comparisons, because they would act only to hinder your expectations and discovery of this lovable lost friend. It can turn any bus ride or walk into an enjoyable experience, and at nine tracks and thirty-six minutes long it never outstays its welcome and always leaves you looking forward to your next listen.

9.5/10

Steve B

Reviews 19/9/07

Arctic Monkeys - Favourite Worst Nightmare

Arctic Monkeys are fast becoming a house hold name all over the globe. The band have created a significant amount of buzz in the rock world ever since appearing fresh on the scene late 2005. Their debut album "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" became the fastest selling debut album in British history and picked up the prestigous Mercury Music Prize for the album. Since beginning their career they have headlined festivals such as Glastonbury and topped many celebrated publications album lists. With no time to spare the lads from Sheffield released their follow-up effort Favourite Worst Nightmare, a little over a year later.

The album begins with some of the bands most heaviest material to date with the muse-esque "Brianstorm" not to be confused with brainstorm, the track contains a mixture of powerhouse riffing and relentless drum work. The first track is followed up with steady riff rocker "Teddy Picker" which slowly grows on you and the infectious rocking "D for Dangerous". "Balaclava" begins with singer/guitarist Alex Turner, Yorkshire accent in full swing with his witty lyrics in toe. The second single lifted from the album "Fluorescent Adolescent" slows down the pace down a bit, giving Turner the chance to belt out his whimsical lyrics.

Through the next few tracks the same consistency is shown musically and lyrics filled with blissful nonsense. The only track to challenge the opening song's heavy riffing is "This House is a Circus" as infectious and catchy as ever. The album concludes with "505" their most different and ambitious track put to record to date, featuring brooding but somehow optimistic sounds of the organ, the album finishing off on a high note.

The band have noticeably improved with their respected instruments and their songwriting is more well rounded here. Fans shouldn't be disappointed either as they have taken their original sounds from the debut album and practically expanded it here, though not straying too far away from it. The debut will probably remain the fan favourite, though clearly this album being a much all round stronger effort.

While their debut was a work of amateurs this is the work of a group of full time working musicians. Favourite Worst Nightmare is a far superior record than the predecessor, the album is better produced and more cohesive with better songs. Love them or hate them the Arctic Monkeys are unavoidable, they are a force on today's music scene and who knows when they will be stopped?


7/10

Sean B