Kick Up The Fire And Let The Flames Break Loose (Limited Edition/+DVD) - Cooper Temple Clause > Reviews > the cooper temple clause...the second coming

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Standard
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Good
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	extreme orginality and diversity
Disadvantages:	vaugely negative feel

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

A second effort from The Cooper Temple Cluse has shown them in good stead, as this album, although blaitantly seperated from their first (See This Through And Leave), provokes imagination throgh its seemingly sleak modern sound.

The good points of the CD span in several directions; firstly there is the intangible element of the style and quality of the music, followed in hot pursuit by the fact that this issue comes in partnership with a DVD, perhaps a more market orientated attempt for success:
Those who have heard The Cooper's first ,unknown but contrastingly successful attempt at an album will know their clear mission statement of writing music that is both energetic and to an extent, a bit discomforting through its intimidation. Well, this trait wasnt left behind, and Kick Up The Fire... highlights their passion for experimenting with sound. A wide variety of effects and tempo's are implemented into tracks that focus on alternating vocal and rhythm patterns to stimulate even the most unsure listeners, resulting in some enticing technical sound that manages to harness the power of talented guitar work AND keyboards (and other computer enhanced instruments) in one.
The DVD aspect of the album provides a good example ofvalue for money, with footage of videos for tracks (such as Been Training Dogs) from their first album and 'making of' footage for tracks from Kick Up The Fire...at what would seem to be no extra cost. The DVD is also good as it provides a glimpse of the band, who would otherwise be pretty hard to get a view on as their live music circuit is restricted largely to Reading and Oxford, and they have very little TV coverage.

A downside to the album is the fact that its extensive use of computer altered tones could begin to seem a bit over-engineered after a while, which does tempt one to stop listening temporarily.
Another drawback is the lyrical content, which is reduced to very little, probably in the emphasis on the music. This could be seen as a flaw on a CD that has a very narrow style in that it is not outragelously diverse in influence nor melody. Still, this is a minor price to pay considering the above mentoined upsides of the record.

In conclusion, this record is mainly set at a slower pace to The Cooper's first attempt, which is a nice change but it is still a bit hard hitting...a good listen in small doses.

Track Listing
01 The Same Mistakes
02 Promises Promises
03 New Toys
04 Talking To A Brick Wall
05 Into My Arms
06 Blind Pilots
07 A.I.M.
08 Music Box
09 In Your Prime
10 Written Apology

DVD Track Listing
01 Promises Promises Video
02 Promises Promises Video - Making Of
03 Lets Kill Music Video
04 Film - Maker Video
05 Been Training Dogs Video
06 Who Needs Enemies? Video
07 Promises Promises (Live) Audio
08 Blind Pilots (Live) Audio
09 The Same Mistakes (Live) Audio
10 A.I.M. (Live) Audio

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