Search - Koufax :: Hard Times Are in Fashion

How is this their debut?!?

J. Snowden | 09/06/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Sooooo, the original reviewer is quite uninformed on this fine band. They have several previous releases, to include the brilliant "Social Life." While this new album doesn't hold up to that standard, it's still a very solid release.



While Koufax is driven by keyboards and a stellar rhythm section, don't confuse them with the watered-down New Order mimicry that is currently crowding the airwaves. These guys sound nothing like the Killers, or the Bravery, or any of those other hacks. They bring more rock than cheesy synth-pop.



The two dings against this album are quite simple:

1. It's no "Social Life"

2. The lyrics could have used a couple (okay, a handful) of rewrites"

Good album by a great band

tamron | nyc, ny | 01/05/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"To the reviewer Kevin Hess:

First of all, the Strokes' lead singer is Julian Casablancas, and Rob Suchan doesn't really sound like him. Suchan is more of an emotive, bombastic singer, while Casablancas is a more monotone, deadpan singer. They're both male and both musicians, but that's where the similarities end. Plus, the Strokes aren't exactly known for their piano work.



I also don't think they should be compared to a band like Keane. While Keane has been together slightly longer, Koufax has put out about four times as many full-length albums as Keane. While I don't particularly like their latest release as much as their previous albums, Koufax comes out swinging on every album -- on every track for that matter. They're experimental, innovative and retro without being a rip-off. While their New Wave influences are obvious and credited, they're doing really original stuff, (unlike bands like the Killers and the like, who are cashing in on writing formulaic singles that sound like music that ended up Depeche Mode's cutting room floor -- not that you compared them to the Killers; I'm just sayin's all ...) while retaining their trademark style. Furthermore, Koufax's lyrics are smart and engaging, involving social commentary and witty plays on words -- not just crappy drivel about failed relationships.



Finally, it's slightly silly to compare a world-renown baseball player to a slighty obscure indie rock band. That's a little beyond apples and oranges -- sorta like comparing Spaghetti-Os and Oreos (though both of those kinda suck).



Anyway, regardless of whether you like Koufax (but if you don't you're a moron), they work their asses off and and they're rockin' the block for a good cause: music that doesn't suck."

Do Bother At All

Mike | New Jersey, USA | 02/08/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Koufax is a great band, and to get a free downloaded song of this caliber is a steal. It is much more upbeat then what I have heard of them in earlier albums, but it is a great song. Give it a listen."