Customer Reviews

Pockets

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

 

 

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.

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.

....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.