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CD Review:
Blur was the poster child and the greatest (or most successful) of the Brit-pop bands of the '90s. When the category and the bands involved in it began to lose favour Blur made a mad scramble to redefine itself. This album was the result.
It was a bunch of irritating art rock noise and experimentation that didn't work. "Song 2" was such a success, it was used in a Labatt Blue concert commercial here in Canada, that it made me buy it to see what was up with the band that had put out albums like Parklife. It was a serious disappointment and a waste of my hard earned cash. As I was no big fan of Parklife, I thought the change might be something of interest (I did like "Song 2"). It was not.
Scott D. Brown
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| Band |
Rick Temporao & The New Low |
| Album Title |
Down In Front |
| Date Of Release |
2005 |
| Genre |
Rock |
| Official Website |
www.ricktemporao.com |
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CD Review:
The first thing that strikes you about the debut CD from this Toronto band is its art work. Even before you remove the cellophane the CD cover grabs your attention. The punkish image of a young female with a computer generated faded background shows of the work of little known artist Russell Vance.
As for the CD itself, you will be introduced to the rock-styling of Toronto's Rick Temporao and his new band The New Low. They are Ian Morrison (keyboards), Donn Dixon (drums), Steffon Sepa (lead guitar), Derek Raby (bass). Brought in to produce Rick's indie release is Brian Allen. Allen also helped out with arranging and even sings on "Tear this Apart." If there is any criticism about this album it won't come from, Allen's work. The production is flawless.
With vocals reminiscent of Sam Roberts and Hawksley Workman, Rick has the pipes that will grab your attention on both the up tempo tracks or the slower ballads. The album itself is an exercise in variety switching from a guitar-led rocking tune to a piano or acoustic guitar low tempo song. Throw in the turn-table work of Trevor Francis on a couple of tracks and you have a variety of sounds to please your ear.
Rick held himself to 10 songs which benefit the album as it reduces the need for filler. With a length of just over 40 minutes you are only subjected to two songs that approach that lamentation. Both "Maniac" and "Fisherman" are not stand outs and could have used a few more verses instead of hearing a chorus repeated over and over again. Nonetheless, the album shines in most parts and stands up to repeated listens.
Scott D. Brown
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