Customer Reviews

V

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

 

 

God, I can hardly believe these guys. I mean, ? This album is not a change in form at all, but it is remarkably fresh sounding and SOMEHOW IMPROVES upon their already stellar asskicking ways. Somehow. Sheesh. This album would be a GREAT starting point for anyone interested in getting into the band, but they are so consistent exhibitors of quality that there couldn't be a bad place to start.

Their crisp, beefed up guitar sound is only crispier and beefier than ever, yet retains their signature timbre. Their rhythmic shifts are only more kinetic, and their harmonies are only more lush. For old C4 fans this is only, "only(?)" a greater extension of the brain besmashing rockplosions which these guys specialize in. The video game (NES) music influence is still in full effect, much to my delight, and the album has an extremely balanced, natural flow.

If you're looking at this at all then you're probably already familiar with the fact that the Champs are a bassless, (mostly) instrumental 3 piece, blah blah. Don't forget the electronic element, which, if let's say that guitar/guitar/drums takes up 88% of their compositions, then guitar/guitar/atmospheric electronics take up about 10%. Don't hold me too much to that math though. It's just a rough estimate. If you're into the electronics than maybe you would do well to check out Concentric. Maybe that's with a 'k' on the end but I can't remember.

Look, the point is this: If you liked/loved them before, you still will. If you feel like music just doesn't Rock anymore, than lo, oh faithless one, behold Total Music and hear the light.

more great thin lizzy/ iron maiden guitarwork here. some nice moody synth stuff. no vocals...hmmm. despite that, I really love this! I guess..if you liked IV, you'll dig this one...

This kick-ass CD made me believe in air guitar in my living room again, which is quite an accomplishment. This is not ultra speed violent metal music a la Emperor, but much more of a highly rigourous/entertaining way of caricaturing the matchi Eddie Van Halen/Dave Mustaine/Adrian Smith way of cockrocking - and it is fabulous!! These instrumental tunes without a bass are like no others and deserve a larger audience of hangbangers FUBAR style. Rock-on!

SWEET! If you enjoy the guitar, get this album!

this is obviously a must have for any champs fan, i bought III when it came out and it blew my mind. i even liked the kraftwerk-influenced tracks that were purposefully laid in between the metal-oozing rockers. i must say that this album isnt as interesting as III, but you should still check this out so that when you go see them live you will be able to look cool while you tap your feet and nod your head along with the complicated parts without looking like a poser!! the champs are WWWAAYY better live than on vinyl. when you do see them it will make you want to buy all of their stuff. they really are amazing and you can even tell when listening to this record.

well I guess I stand on the middle ground. Although I agree w/ collucio's rant on their hype, and their resemblance to metallica circa "puppets" (or queen or thin lizzy for that matter) the effing champs do display talent and skill. the guitars are thick and magnificent, and they at least keep it real with an actual baroque music "cover" ("air on a g string") as opposed to the pseudo-classical stuff they've peddled before. overall, a good record for guitar geeks (even if that particular breed of musician either doesn't listen to indie bands, or has moved on to jazz fusion). for the rest of any listeners, an enjoyable instrumental rock album that doesn't afraid to be technical and smart, even at the cost of some serious "irony checking".

Hey folks let me explain why I gave your idols one star.
First of all, if you are checking out an album, you have heard good things about it, and are ready to spend some cash. Your friends own it, and you want to be included. Understandable.

What is NOT understandable, is how no one has compared this album to mid-era Metallica (MOP or and justice...) Think of theatrically presented power chord progression, quick melody changes, and near classical riffs.
Song #5 EXACTLY replicates "orion" from master of puppets. Exactly. Listen closely and see. In 1985, this type of thing was ground breaking. Now, during the 'new era of rock', it's simply silly.

Furthermore, the parts of the album that are not "power progression" are simply noodling and aimless, and I can name ten bands that do that type of thing better.(if you like)

Younger listeners won't regognize it, can't blame them at all,
but this style of near King Crimson or Yes theatricality is grating to someone who has heard it all before.
F Champs are just as dull as the Trail of Dead in my book.
Or the latest Tool album for that matter.
Where's the ROCK?