1990s - Kicks (Rough Trade)
2/5
By: Emily Kaiser
To say that the 1990s would have done better mailing me a blank CD is a little harsh. Suggesting that they use the same riff and lyrics on every song is an unfair exaggeration. And to say I feel less intelligent from listening to this album than I do from reading a free daily gives too much credit to the organized litter that coats the streets.
But, despite the hesitation to venture outside the realm of propriety, it must be said that the 1990s, on their second LP Kicks, have a few fancy fishnet stockings and heels on the cover, and really not much else.
The pop music of the album is effective in its void. Music is supreme when it transcends your subjective emotions. Music is pointless when it makes you feel nothing. The songs are smooth and the melodies and vocals professionally presented. Dancing is a definite possibility. But the album really has nothing to show for its modest efforts, remaining sedentary from start to finish.
Cloaked in a tangy guitar riff that's catchy on its own, 'Everybody Please Relax' still giggles like a group of teenage girls reading an entertainment magazine. Propped up with the Macarena and the Electric Slide, the 1990s should make an OK Go-esque line dance to 'Balthazar'. It would make a great wedding reception song for the next generation.
But Kicks as a whole is a group of kids dressed up to be seen at the punk show their told is their favourite. They certainly look and sound good from afar, but they have no real explanation for their presentation. Standard grooves and meaningless lyrics are simply the correct thing do, not discounting the fact that they do sound better than a lot of bands. But, to our regret and loss, no other input has been added to or demanded from the display, and Kicks has no real life beyond its 40 or so minutes.
The pop melodies do not detract and are not flawed in themselves, but they certainly do not add any dimensions to this 2-D album. The music does not move much past being mere sound and, despite the best of their arrangements, the 1990s are still in need of a big push towards substance.
Artists in this article: 1990s
Your Feedback
Login to post your comment