Customer Reviews

Space Camp

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of those albums that really tests what a reviewer takes into account when writing. Are you writing whether or not this album is good in the context of what it is trying to do, or whether or not your personal preferences are met? In the case of Audio Karate it's easy to put them down because, yes, they are a pop-punk band out of California that sounds a lot like the same stuff you've heard over and over again. However, for everyone who isn't annoyed with this type of music yet, "Space Camp" is definitely one of the better poppunk releases out there.

Sonically these guys can be relatively encapsulated by mentioning two bands: Count The Stars and Midtown, with one glaring exception. The guitar player has many opportunities to throw in a few mini-solos that actually add a lot more than one might initially think. Sure they aren't brilliant, but there is enough extra energy packed into each one to give Audio Karate a little distinctive burst.

Also, the vocals here are a lot rougher and raw than what you'll find in the above referenced bands. It's not necessarily screaming, it's just less flawlessly produced pubescent wailing and more scratchy grunge-tinged singing. This is to huge advantage for these guys because it gives their sound a bit more of an identity and lessens the feeling that you've heard this over and over again.

In all, this is a very strong pop-punk release. It's full of giant hooks and catchy rhythms that'll please anyone who has interest in this type of sound. Granted, after the first few months of repeated listens it sort of slipped out of rotation as most poppunk releases do. The difference here however, is that a few months later I turned back to this one because of it's edgier vocals and guitar, and that cycle has continued since. Definitely worth checking out if this gengre is your cup o' tea. However, if catchy hook-driven songs don't catch your fancy this definitely isn't for you.

Unlike the rest of the reviews on here, I don't think these guys sound ANYTHING like Simple Plan. In fact, I would consider it an insult if anyone compared my band to Simple Plan, and I'm sure Audio Karate feels the same. This is a solid debut record, but it's nothing great. Just good pop-punk with harsher vocals. Pick up their last record "Lady Melody" instead if you're getting into AK, it slays. "Jesus is Alive and Well..." is one of the best punk songs I've ever heard.

Good 90's pop punk. If you're a fan of old school Blink 182, Ataris and NFG give this album a go.

I first heard about this band on the 2003 warped tour disc. I really liked the song they had on there. It was pop punky and had some unusually talented guitarwork. It also sounded very unique. Like something different but same. That song was Nintendo 89. Yes probably a stupid name for a song about a girl but who cares?

well, I finally got around to buying this CD and it has changed my oppinion about this band greatly. First off, the genre these guys belong in is not immediately evident. Sure, pop-punk seems to fit the bill at first but after you consider the overall sound, it's not that easy. The singer's voice sounds almost grunge rock. I can hear traces of a pierre from Simple plan in him, but he sort of growls though. You also need to take the guitarwork into consideration. Out of all the sounds on this disc, the guitar is dominant over the others. it has a twangy sound that really shows a lot of talent. These guys know how to get past the sterotype of: "Pop-punk has to be all power chords". There are even solos here.

So all in all I would probably still put these guys in the pop-punk category, even though they draw from many different musical styles.

It's surprising that this band got signed considering the genre's track record. Bands like Green day, Blink 182, and the Ataris dominate this field of music. There's hardly any room for newcomers. But stop a minute and think about the things associated with these bands. Power chords, whiney voices, immature lyrics, and mass media marketing. None of these things describe Audio Karate. In fact, these guys are nothing like your modern pop punk stereo-type. They are spanish...yes. You can hear it in the guy's voice. They use fender-esque guitars, which are not commonplace for punk music. If anything, this band is a far cry from what we know as modern pop-punk. As a matter of fact, I think they have raised the bar as far as pop-punk goes. They have taken the standard four chord progression method that's been used for years, and replaced it with complex melodies and guitar solos.

I saw these guys live about a year ago. They have played along side bands such as Tsunami Bomb, The vandals, and social distortion. All those bands are big punk rock acts that go the whole nine yards. Mohawks and stud jackets are the usual for them. Yet, Audio Karate is content with a pair of blue jeans and a backstreet boys t-shirt. I have to hand it to them. That takes balls. Still though, there's a clear punk mentality about this band and I like it a lot. They clearly have a serious image that they want to convey.

I was surprised at how nice the production sounded on this Debut. Most I have heard are lacking, but this album is a bar above average. The instruments especially, are done quite well.

I believe we will hear from this band more and more often in time. They have a very dedicated national fanbase that will not dissapoint. There's great things in the future for these dudes. I really like the way they present themselves.

Anyway, if you can find one of Audio Karate's CDs I highly recommend you take the chance and buy it. I think anybody will enjoy their sound. It's very unique and a breathe of fresh air for me personally.

This is a great album, except that it is a bit slow for a punk rock album and also lyrics are a little repetitive.
Gotta love that ''twangy'' guitar sound though.

If you like your pop-punk in the style of Simple Plan, then this album is for you--if not, then don't buy it. In fact, the lead singer sounds alot like Simple Plan's! I prefer this CD to their second (Lady Melody)--there seems to be much more screaming and hardcore riffs (less on the melodic side [some irony there]) on Lady Melody. But that's what I prefer. If your tastes go the other way, then Lady Melody would probably be your cup of tea. Whichever one you choose, I think you'll like their sound.

this CD is definately a good buy, for those people who like the same old same old, its tracks are technically good and are really enjoyable to listen to but there is very little "flair" in the album, if you are looking for an album that is life changing or ground breaking this is not it, but if like me you are looking for another CD to fill sometime then this is possibly the best buy you'll find.

This is a great album, its not the "same old" as some are saying. It's pretty polished for a debut too. Just wanted to make sure credit was given where it's due.

This CD demonstrates everything a fantastic debut album should. The lyrics are catchy and the singer's voice is unlike anyone else's, and the music shows so much raw talent that only a complete moron would be able to deny it. Finally!, guitarists who realize there's a lot more to music than power chords. I've listened to this CD about a million times, and it is still easily in my top five CDs of all time. The only place Audio Karate has to go is up! So haters bow down, and everyone else be on the look out.

wow, all i know is that other than the ataris this is my favorite band, i thought i was taking a chance when i bought this c.d., but i was amazed at how good these guys are! i love the solo in "rosemead" i just feel like crying cause its so good!! there lyrics reach out to you too and i can relate to them mostly all the time. all the songs are perfectly put together and sound great. i cant wait for there next c.d. to come out! cant wait guys!