Search - Kingsbury Manx :: Aztec Discipline

SHOW NO MERCY !

12/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As sensei John Kreese proclaimed to the students of the Cobra Kai dojo...SHOW NO MERCY! Well, The Kingsbury Manx have done just that. On their third record, Aztec Discipline, the Manx have drawn a line in the sand, raising the bar yet again. Jangly pop, distorted guitar and Eno-esque electrosynth help to dot the landscape that Discipline has so eloquently painted. New territory has been charted with this album, however, the gentle, countrified neo-psychedelia that we all came to love in their first two full-length records is still present. The additions of Clarque Blomquist on bass/drums and Paul Finn on keys have helped to make the sound tighter, more focused, and in many songs, downright catchy. The opening track, "Pelz Komet" (or fur comet auf Deutsch) gives the listener 3 tunes for the price of one. The uplifting guitar laden intro gives way to two seamless changes...the third of which provides the listener with an inspirational hook, "...time is all your own when you go it alone and there's no one there to tell you when you oughta be home so don't wait another second, take a step in that direction." The shredding guitars and rabid growling that close out the second track, "Growler in The Rumbleseat," just plain rock! A killer bassline, haunting lyrics and a bewitching organ drive the eighth track, "Pinstripes." The closing track, "Fixed Bayonets," may be one of the most beautifully crafted songs that the Manx have written to date. There is a sense of urgency to many of the songs on Discipline, yet there is also a serenity that brings a familiar comfort. The melodies and the lyrics ardently take up permanent residency in your memory like the brilliance of Maple leaves on a crisp, foggy autumn afternoon. At any rate, there is not a wasted moment on Aztec Discipline. Whether you are a Manx veteran, a novice fan, or have never heard any of their stuff...I implore you to pick up a copy of this record."

Just go ahead and get this

Pete the Leg | 04/28/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A fantastic record. Not perfect, but close to it. Great flowing rock with pop twinges and sinister currents braided together. Kingsbury Manx are consistently better than many, no, ALL of flavor of the month indie pop bands. You will not be displeased with this record."

A good album,oops, CD!

Pete the Leg | Chicago, Illinois | 07/26/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I rated this CD conservatively at 3 stars but I really like it more. I never heard of this band until I listened to them at my record store. The one song 'Growler in the Rumbleseat' strongly reminded me both vocally and musically of some older Moody Blues, which is how I compare this band. The songs are very melodical and they seem to know how to make these types of songs well. Bottom line: I liked every song, which is a rare thing these days. Their music is not repetitive, which means it won't wear you out. As songwriters and composers they change things up throughout as to make their songs interesting. I consider them a bit of a find. Give this one a shot, you might like them too."