Kinesis – Handshakes For Bullets

Kinesis formed in a small town of Bolton , England . Soon after, Kinesis began to do the usual regiment of touring and making demos. But Lamacq on Radio 1 is who helped break the band to the masses. After that, countless listeners have said they sound like an early Manic Street Preachers, and here we are treated to their debut full length.
“One Way Mirror” leads off the album. The song starts with a blundering guitar riff. The song fucking rocks and with the jarring bass and brute vocals this song really starts us off with something awesome. “Billboard Beauty” is your usually song about how the media portrays people’s images. But they do it with such a pop appreciation. “Civilized Fury” is well civilized fury. Kinesis delivers solid messages behind a hard and forceful melody. “Conveyor Belt Destruction” starts with a fucking hard guitar riff and then breaks down into a softer tone. The song is reminiscent of a more modern pop rock song but they do it with more style and class than any of today’s agro rockers. “

King Elementary – Kudzu

King Elementary hail from good ole Mississippi. They are four deep, Combining elements of grunge with classic rock, emo, and a ’60s sense of pop melody all together for your pleasure. “For The Birds” and “Theif of Hearts” both enjoy some very pop and friendly power pop tunes.
“Sand and Romance” the albums longest track slows things down a bit, but not over the top like so many others. A real highlight here, his confused almost scary delivery, is fantastic. “Satisfactory” has abit of a dirty sleazy, feel to the vocals and the drummer is quite energetic. “We Defy Gravity” and “Spur of the Moment” have a great young feel to the. It sounds so fresh and full of it.
King Elementary have an ace name and need to just working a bit more on the music. Influences are wide and deep and I had a good time listening to this record, there are some great pop tones on here.

By John Siwicki

Hank Kim – Blue Alibi

Hank Kim hails from Dayton, Ohio which yes is the home of Robert Pollard and the birthplace of Guided By Voices. Once, this album came across my desk the first thing that stuck out were the song titles “Candy Bar Killer” and “Another Broken Heart( At The 7 Eleven)” just to name a few. With names like I had to immediately give this a spin. “So Late” starts, and that voice in front of those strings grabs you, it’s so different yet so comforting. It has that power pop feel that gives a nice accessible sound. “Candy Bar Killer” the one I have been waiting for. The track has a great imagery and Kim’s distinct vocal really ups the track to a new dimension. “May Decemeber Girl” and “Party Sunny” are chop full of beautiful vocal melodies and some great lush sounds. A track like “Another Broken Heart( At The 7 Eleven)” really ends the album on a high note. It’s a dark and raw, yet stunning number from Kim.
I really didn’t see this one coming and those sometime can be the most rewarding. If your big into Guided By Voices and other indie pop bands, Kims unique vocal along with his pop sensibilities you will feel right at home.

By John Siwicki

Rapture, The – Sister Savior

The second single from the excellent Echoes. Sister Savior is a very odd choice for a single most would have went for “Heaven” or “I Need Your Love” but you know what it really works. The song has a very funky beat to it and it shows that these guys can really make a very out there funky dance tune. The song’s remixes could really be underground club hits. The song ignites something in me and you know what I want to go dance.

By John Siwicki

Spiritualized – Amazing Grace

Spiritualized are back with an album that they recorded only in a few months compared to there typical years. Amazing Grace was dubbed a “Garage” album because of Spaceman’s very fast recording of it and his alleged love of BRMC and The Stripes. This is not true at all.
The album starts off with some rockers. “This Little Life Of Mine”, and “She Kissed” these two are the more upbeat and rocker tracks on the album. She Kissed is the albums lead single. The song reminds of some previous songs such as “Come Together” and “Electricity”. The song is a textbook Spiritualized rock song. “Hold On” and “Oh Baby” remind us of reminds of the Spiritualized we all know and love. “Hold On” is a very straightforward and beautiful ballad with a simple acoustic and a piano. This one is a extraordinary song. “Never Going Back” and “Cheapster” bring back the rocker songs on this one. “Cheapster” is a slightly different with a angelic organ and exceptional vocals by Spaceman. “Lord Let It Rain On Me” is one of the best here. The song shows them doing what they do best. The gospel choir is breathtaking and the poetry of his lyrics makes this one unforgettable. “Lay It Down” closes off the album. The song is very slow and hushed. The song is a great example of how beautiful of a song they can make.
There isn’t anything really new on this one. Spiritualized just continued with there formula. They are a few more rockery songs on this one than previous releases. Regardless they have done it again. The album is very solid and a splendid listen.

By John Siwicki

Muse – Hysteria

Muse are back with there second single from their album Absolution. Hysteria is a classic Muse hard tune. The track features some amazing distorted guitars and such a brilliant vocal from Matt. The song is catchy and has a great appeal to everyone. Muse really shows what they are capable of. These guys are truly one of the best in the world at the moment. This is one of those songs that never leaves your head. “I want you know I want you now