Customer Reviews

Aztec Discipline

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As sensei John Kreese proclaimed to the students of the Cobra Kai dojo...SHOW NO MERCY! Well, The Kingsbury Manx have done just that. On their third record, Aztec Discipline, the Manx have drawn a line in the sand, raising the bar yet again. Jangly pop, distorted guitar and Eno-esque electrosynth help to dot the landscape that Discipline has so eloquently painted. New territory has been charted with this album, however, the gentle, countrified neo-psychedelia that we all came to love in their first two full-length records is still present. The additions of Clarque Blomquist on bass/drums and Paul Finn on keys have helped to make the sound tighter, more focused, and in many songs, downright catchy.

The opening track, "Pelz Komet" (or fur comet auf Deutsch) gives the listener 3 tunes for the price of one. The uplifting guitar laden intro gives way to two seamless changes...the third of which provides the listener with an inspirational hook, "...time is all your own when you go it alone and there's no one there to tell you when you oughta be home so don't wait another second, take a step in that direction." The shredding guitars and rabid growling that close out the second track, "Growler in The Rumbleseat," just plain rock! A killer bassline, haunting lyrics and a bewitching organ drive the eighth track, "Pinstripes." The closing track, "Fixed Bayonets," may be one of the most beautifully crafted songs that the Manx have written to date.

There is a sense of urgency to many of the songs on Discipline, yet there is also a serenity that brings a familiar comfort. The melodies and the lyrics ardently take up permanent residency in your memory like the brilliance of Maple leaves on a crisp, foggy autumn afternoon. At any rate, there is not a wasted moment on Aztec Discipline. Whether you are a Manx veteran, a novice fan, or have never heard any of their stuff...I implore you to pick up a copy of this record.

After much trumpeting from a friend of mine, I opted to give this album a look-see. How foolish was I to wait this long? Mesmerizingly woozy foundation sprinkled with a few poppier tracks to toss thing up like a smooth, elaborate salad. De-da Dementia wanders around just long enough to over stay its welcome - which is easy to overlook as it's the blemish that keeps this album fantastic instead of essential (but that's a close call). Closing track Fixed Bayonets is absolutely gorgeous in a simple and pristine sense. Aztec Discipline deserves far more attention than its receiving.

I rated this CD conservatively at 3 stars but I really like it more. I never heard of this band until I listened to them at my record store. The one song 'Growler in the Rumbleseat' strongly reminded me both vocally and musically of some older Moody Blues, which is how I compare this band. The songs are very melodical and they seem to know how to make these types of songs well. Bottom line: I liked every song, which is a rare thing these days. Their music is not repetitive, which means it won't wear you out. As songwriters and composers they change things up throughout as to make their songs interesting. I consider them a bit of a find. Give this one a shot, you might like them too.

A fantastic record. Not perfect, but close to it. Great flowing rock with pop twinges and sinister currents braided together. Kingsbury Manx are consistently better than many, no, ALL of flavor of the month indie pop bands. You will not be displeased with this record.

I have to agree with all of the reviews below. Aztec Discipline is a wonderful CD. The guitars sparkle and shine, while the lyrics leave you wanting more. The closing track, Fixed Bayonet, is absolutely stunning. It is, perhaps, one of the most beautiful songs written in quite some time. I have Aztec Discipline in my car, on my computer, and soon it will be on my iPod. Like Amex, don't leave home without it.

I got this CD because there was a song in the closeing creadits of a movie soundtrack (De Da Dementia),and it was cheap.

I've been waiting two years and then some for this third full length record from Kingsbury Manx. Just when I thought that two albums was going to be it, they return with this astounding collection of indie-wooze tunes - poppier and less slick sounding then Let You Down, but as infectiously sweet and wistfully lilting as any release you'll hear. The pace is definitely faster with a few tracks even grinding away rock-like. I cannot recommend this album highly enough.