Customer Reviews

Hard Times Are in Fashion

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

 

 

Sooooo, the original reviewer is quite uninformed on this fine band. They have several previous releases, to include the brilliant "Social Life." While this new album doesn't hold up to that standard, it's still a very solid release.

While Koufax is driven by keyboards and a stellar rhythm section, don't confuse them with the watered-down New Order mimicry that is currently crowding the airwaves. These guys sound nothing like the Killers, or the Bravery, or any of those other hacks. They bring more rock than cheesy synth-pop.

The two dings against this album are quite simple:
1. It's no "Social Life"
2. The lyrics could have used a couple (okay, a handful) of rewrites

Koufax is a great band, and to get a free downloaded song of this caliber is a steal. It is much more upbeat then what I have heard of them in earlier albums, but it is a great song. Give it a listen.

To the reviewer Kevin Hess:
First of all, the Strokes' lead singer is Julian Casablancas, and Rob Suchan doesn't really sound like him. Suchan is more of an emotive, bombastic singer, while Casablancas is a more monotone, deadpan singer. They're both male and both musicians, but that's where the similarities end. Plus, the Strokes aren't exactly known for their piano work.

I also don't think they should be compared to a band like Keane. While Keane has been together slightly longer, Koufax has put out about four times as many full-length albums as Keane. While I don't particularly like their latest release as much as their previous albums, Koufax comes out swinging on every album -- on every track for that matter. They're experimental, innovative and retro without being a rip-off. While their New Wave influences are obvious and credited, they're doing really original stuff, (unlike bands like the Killers and the like, who are cashing in on writing formulaic singles that sound like music that ended up Depeche Mode's cutting room floor -- not that you compared them to the Killers; I'm just sayin's all ...) while retaining their trademark style. Furthermore, Koufax's lyrics are smart and engaging, involving social commentary and witty plays on words -- not just crappy drivel about failed relationships.

Finally, it's slightly silly to compare a world-renown baseball player to a slighty obscure indie rock band. That's a little beyond apples and oranges -- sorta like comparing Spaghetti-Os and Oreos (though both of those kinda suck).

Anyway, regardless of whether you like Koufax (but if you don't you're a moron), they work their asses off and and they're rockin' the block for a good cause: music that doesn't suck.

This album by Koufax isn't what i'd consider a mind-blower of a release, quite simply it is just good music which grabs your ears and makes you want to sing along.

It offers nice use of instrumentation, is produced very well and some very solid singing. Perhaps not as awesome as Social Life in terms of total album worth of wonderful songs BUT if you dig pop music like Sloan, this Koufax album will be just dandy!

As of yet I have only heard "Why bother at all" and my initial reaction was "wow, I didn't expect that." It's a very driven and passionate song. The use of the piano is a bonus (there are some bands that use piano or keyboards,but rarely utilize them in a "good" way, one band that is an exception to this is "the Arcade Fire" which if you like the "Why bother at all" track, then you'll appreciate The Arcade Fire.
Anyhow, if the track I've listened to is a testament to the rest of an album, I suggest you snap this jem up soon.