Pockets

Karate | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 21, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Southern Records
• ASIN: B0002IVMM0
• Also Available in: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #123,706 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

In their decade of performing & recording , Karate has refined their sound to a streamlined rock hybrid that is hard to define, and most definetely a unique sonic identity. Shrewd songwriting blends with unconventionally soulful rhythms . Chris Brokaw (COME, CODEINE, THE NEW YEAR, CONSONANT) performs on 2 songs.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars gorgeous jazz-inflected indie-rock-pop, November 18, 2004

By 

Paul J. Escamilla "sentient being" (NYC) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pockets (Audio CD)

I have no idea why Karate remains so under the radar. They are by far one of the most talented and unique-sounding bands in existence. I have loved everything I've heard by them. This album especially delights me, as it features a lot of really tasty jazzy guitar riffing. The bass playing is also extremely nice and melodic and adventurous.

If you like rock music that deftly blends in the influence of jazz and prog without ever getting bombastic, slick or soul-less, then give Karate a listen.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Somewhat like G-Love and special sauce...without the rap, October 13, 2004

By 

Dharma Bum (Chicago, Il) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pockets (Audio CD)

Karate's most recent album, it is anything but contrived. Soulful lyrics, and good guitar riffs, etc. Songs 1-6 are great and worth twice as much as you'll pay. Clean album..."Water" is the jam. Buy it.

2 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The Greater The Expectation....., December 12, 2004

By 

Dirtbike Kid "Jason" (United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pockets (Audio CD)

....the greater the disappointment. Amid rumours of the bands impending split, "Pockets", although completely without merit, fails to live up to it's masterful predecessor "Some Boots". Indeed, for the first time in Karate's career they've taken a step back with this album, not really developing their sound or breaking new ground (Hey! How Farinaesque was that?)Indeed, we now know what Farina meant when he stated in interviews that for this album Karate were "returning to their roots" - ie recycling old ideas for want of something better. Even the highlights have a bittersweet taste. As enjoyable as "Tow Truck" is, Farina isn't really saying anything in it he hasn't said before. Similarly, "Water" sounds like an outtake from the "Cancel/Sing" EP, whilst "Cacophony" is the what Karate might sound like if they went COMPLETELY commercial.
To be honest, I'm kind of in the same quandry that I was when I heard the new Blonde Redhead ("Misery")LP. Compared to most other bands, this album has a lot to offer. But within the context of the Karate canon, it's a weak affair. If this is the last Karate album, then they will have departed witha whimper rather than a bang.