2008 Woodie Awards
[critic]al thinking
Issue date: 2/26/08 Section: Arts and Entertainment
A gift better left unopened
Amplive
Rainydayz Remixes
(self released)
Record Review Brett Burk
2.5 stars
Sons & Daughters' latest album, "This Gift" is a disappointment. The opening riff is what has been come to be expected from these Glasgow rockers and the beat is just as clap-happy as their former work, but there is something missing.
That something is the spontaneity of their former sound; that unique country/blues/punk/indie blend that set apart Sons & Daughters' 2002 debut album, "Love the Cup". "This Gift" is full of pop and country, but their distinctiveness and the drive of their music has faded along with the tempo.
Scott Paterson on "This Gift" plays a noticeably subsidiary vocal role to Adele Bethel, who dominates the tracks. Every time Paterson enters on the album it is only to compliment Adele; the powerful duets of "Love the Cup" are missing and the album is all the worse for it.
But the album is not without redemption. "Darling" is a toe-tapping hit that has made some progress on the UK charts and demonstrates the band's ability to write quality music.
"Chains" opens with a sing-songy yell reminiscent of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" but manages to transcend this faux pas and progresses to some swingin' music that should get you up and dancing.
"This Gift" may be poppy and Adele Bethel's voice may be slightly reminiscent of Gwen Stefani from the "Tragic Kingdom" era, but this album doesn't have anything to push it into recognition. However, it does demonstrate this band's potential and I have not given up hope for their sound.
14kt. gold Panther will dance your face off
Panther
14kt. God
(Kill Rockstars)
Record Review Magdalena Jensen
4 Stars
The first thing you will notice about this record is your inability to sit still. Charles Byron Salas Humara's infectious voice implores you to move and Joe Faustin Kelly's drum skills urge you in the right direction.
Amplive
Rainydayz Remixes
(self released)
Record Review Brett Burk
2.5 stars
Sons & Daughters' latest album, "This Gift" is a disappointment. The opening riff is what has been come to be expected from these Glasgow rockers and the beat is just as clap-happy as their former work, but there is something missing.
That something is the spontaneity of their former sound; that unique country/blues/punk/indie blend that set apart Sons & Daughters' 2002 debut album, "Love the Cup". "This Gift" is full of pop and country, but their distinctiveness and the drive of their music has faded along with the tempo.
Scott Paterson on "This Gift" plays a noticeably subsidiary vocal role to Adele Bethel, who dominates the tracks. Every time Paterson enters on the album it is only to compliment Adele; the powerful duets of "Love the Cup" are missing and the album is all the worse for it.
But the album is not without redemption. "Darling" is a toe-tapping hit that has made some progress on the UK charts and demonstrates the band's ability to write quality music.
"Chains" opens with a sing-songy yell reminiscent of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" but manages to transcend this faux pas and progresses to some swingin' music that should get you up and dancing.
"This Gift" may be poppy and Adele Bethel's voice may be slightly reminiscent of Gwen Stefani from the "Tragic Kingdom" era, but this album doesn't have anything to push it into recognition. However, it does demonstrate this band's potential and I have not given up hope for their sound.
14kt. gold Panther will dance your face off
Panther
14kt. God
(Kill Rockstars)
Record Review Magdalena Jensen
4 Stars
The first thing you will notice about this record is your inability to sit still. Charles Byron Salas Humara's infectious voice implores you to move and Joe Faustin Kelly's drum skills urge you in the right direction.
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