POP: ALBUM REVIEWS
The Independent – United Kingdom
May 21, 2005
Tim Perry
System of a Down ‘Mesmerize’ (Sony)
Their first album since 2001’s breakthrough Toxicity, this is the first
instalment of a conceptual double-album which will be completed soon by
the release of Hypnotize. Still, there are enough ideas on this single
disc to last most bands an entire career, as this Armenian-American
outfit bring their cacophonous metal to an even higher plain. HHHHH
The Coral ‘The Invisible Invasion’ (Deltasonic)
Incredibly prolific and still under 24, these Merseysiders return
with their fourth and most accomplished album to date. Initially they
may have come across as a one-trick pony, but, with Geoff Barrow
(Portishead) at the control desk, they’ve matured magnificently,
offering more dimension and space to their tunes, which nowadays
range from charming pop to dark psychedelic workouts. HHHH
Son Volt ‘A Retrospective: 1995-2000’ (Warners/Rhino)
After leaving the highly influential Uncle Tupelo, Jay Farrar formed
SonVolt and debuted in 1995 with the amazing Trace. Although there are
some startling omissions here, this album collects tracks from their
three albums, plus demos, live takes and soundtrack contributions to
give a decent picture of a great alt.country band. HHHH
Dive Dive ‘Tilting at Windmills’ (Diablo Music)
This quartet has been knocking around Oxford for years and, although
John Peel championed them extensively, it’s still a wonder that a
band can spit out a dozen tracks of pure, aggressive pop-rock of such
quality without wider recognition. HHHH
Art Brut ‘Bang Bang Rock And Roll’ (Fierce Panda)
The idea of Art Brut ” matching some primal new-wave chords with a
non- singer and some chatty lyrics ” should not work. But, as the
debut single ‘Formed a Band’ hinted, enthusiasm can go a long way.
That’s proven here by some highly infectious singalong anthems.
Stupid but fun. HHHH
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress