|
| |
The Cooper Temple Clause
Kick Up the Fire, and
Let the Flames Break Loose
(Morning/RCA/BMG)
First Appeared at The Music Box, May 2004, Volume 11, #5
Written by John Metzger
On its American debut Kick Up the Fire, and Let the Flames Break Loose,
The Cooper Temple Clause pulls back on the reigns of its riotous noise-rock to
reveal a greater sense of depth and diversity than it had previously
demonstrated. Yes, the group still rocks hard, most notably on the single
Promises, Promises, which rumbles along with a heavy metal thunder
reminiscent of The Scorpions, but this also happens to be the least interesting
track on an album full of experimental growth. Indeed, the opening tune The
Same Mistakes creeps softly and slowly before releasing its tension in a
torrent of crashing rhythms; Talking to a Brick Wall delves into moody
electronica punctuated by a pop-hued chorus; Into My Arms wafts dreamily
with gospel-folk ambitions plucked from Spiritualized before exploding with
clattering freight-train fury; Blind Pilots sounds like a collaboration
between Wilco and Nirvana; and Written Apology is a sprawling, prog-rock
epic that merges jazz and electronica with rambunctious rock, techno
strangeness, and psychedelic mayhem.
There’s little doubt that The Cooper Temple Clause has crammed a plethora of
ideas into Kick Up the Fire, and Let the Flames Break Loose, but
unfortunately, the manner in which it all comes together is occasionally
awkward. Still, any ensemble with such fervent zeal is bound to stumble a bit in
its search for something new, and despite this, the fact remains that The Cooper
Temple Clause has put its lofty aspirations to good use and crafted an eclectic
and uncompromising affair, which hints at the greatness the band likely will
achieve in the not-too-distant future. 
Kick Up the Fire, and Let the Flames Break Loose is available
from Amazon.com. To order, Click Here!
For Canadian orders, please
Click Here!
For UK orders, please
Click Here!
Ratings
1 Star: Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!
Copyright © 2004
The Music Box
|
