By Andrew Ross
In order to convey the magnitude of what I’m about to say, let me give you some context. I have been reviewing albums for four years now. While I estimate I have reviewed around 50 CDS in that time, I have given no more than a handful of reviews that were even a little bit positive. Of those, there was only one disc
I ever really listened to again after reviewing it, and I only listened to it a few times. To say I am a tough critic is a huge understatement.
That said, I really liked this album. I’ve listened to it all the way through, several times, and I will continue to listen to it even after writing this review.
In its lesser moments, Kick Up The Fire, And Let The Flames Break Loose channels Blur; at its most inspired, it simultaneously evokes Björk, the Beatles and Radiohead. While the first single, “Promises Promises,” is much more radio-friendly than most of the other numbers, there isn’t a track on here that isn’t worth listening to. For example, the format of the 10-minute long, largely instrumental “Written Apology” harkens back to the more experimental classic albums of the ’60s and ’70s, but the style is more in line with OK Computer.
I don’t know if The Cooper Temple Clause is going to be the next big thing in Brit rock, but I do know they’re the best group from the Isles I’ve heard since Radiohead.
This is a great album and you would be a fool not to get it.