Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bought this on a total whim and am LOVING it, March 11, 2004
I had a stack of albums at the record store and just added this album because it was on sale for $7.99. Basically, I'll take a risk on just about any super-cheap album in the "Recommended" rack, so I figured "why not?" It took me forever to listen to it, I just kept putting it off. I finally listened to it a few days ago and I just can't stop. They are SO GOOD. Picture Mars Volta combined with Radiohead combined with a way less annoying Linkin Park and you begin to understand this groups sound. ANother great thing about this album is that just when you think might be finally getting predictable, it throws you a curveball and sucks you back in. I'm so glad I took a chance on this random album and found a gem. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Promises Promises..., February 22, 2005
I bought this album prior to See Through This and Leave, and have to say that I much prefer it to its predecessor. Kick Up the Flames.. is a fine album from start to end.
The album may feel a bit "proggy" for some, with its extended bass and synth sections, but don't let this put you off; this album rocks. The lead singer's voice is very reminiscent of Liam Gallagher, and, in my opinion, this album shows the direction Oasis *should* have taken following Definitely Maybe.
Beware, if you have a sub-woofer, turn it down before putting this on - I've blown two of the blighters on this album now (New Toys and Talking to a Brick Wall have lots of low level bass that makes them go loon).
One of the things I particularly like about this album is its non-linearity, every track seems to suddenly twist into a different direction - for example Talking to a Brick Wall initially seems slow and plodding, only to break out into a frenzy, Same Mistakes starts almost like a lullaby, but ends in a manic haze of angst, and Into My Arms, a beautiful love song, ends in a plethora of industrial noise.
The only track I can easily miss out on is In Your Prime, it just doesn't seem to go anywhere.
The majority of this album is a high point, but I am particularly fond of Same Mistakes, Promises Promises, Blind Pilots and Written Apology.
It may not be to everyone's tastes, but it certainly works for me. Give it a whirl...
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent follow-up, March 3, 2004
By A Customer
I will admit that when I first bought Kick Up the Fire I did not like it. In fact, I hated it. Where was the pummelling aggro-electro from See Through This? I took the cd out of my player and set it aside, utterly despondant, thinking that another favorite band had crapped out. I put the cd in a few days later and found that, while I still wasn't thrilled by it, I could at least tolerate it. Needless to say, after many more listens, it is now one of my favorite cds of the year (actually last year since I stupidly shelled out $30 for the import). "The Same Mistakes" is flatout one of the best songs these guys have written; the controlled dynamics are fabulous. "Promises, Promises" kicks back to the old-style with aggressive riffs and snarling vocals. "New Toys" nails an awesome chorus. "Into My Arms" softens things until the boys decide to unleash the industrial fury. "Blind Pilots" is a great pop song, too bad it will probably never be heard on radio here (though the grisly video might open some doors). Of course all this leads to the climactic "Written Apology." I thought they would never be able to outdo "Murder Song" but they did. What I love about this group is that they do not adhere to one style of music. It is a reflection of all the members and their probably differing styles and tastes in music. The song begins almost hushed, morphs into a barband sing along, morphs again into a guitar blaze up, rests briefly, and transforms into a techno drillnbass workout worthy of Aphex Twin/Squarepusher, all the while maintaining the melody throughout. This cd is amazing. You have to give it several listens before it is apparent, but it is well worth your time to give it a chance. These guys are touring the US this summer. Their live show is supposed to be phenomenal. Check them out.
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