Monday, January 21, 2008

Champion Kickboxer

Perforations
54° 40’ or Fight!


Being a fan of British Indie Rock, this England based band threw me for a loop.
It’s very clear that Champion Kickboxer does not follow any kind of traditional tablature or songwriter’s rulebook (if there really was such a thing).
What’s not clear is the direction these songs are taking.
It’s usually an unspoken conformity between the listener and the artist that gives you an idea that a chorus is coming, a hook’s about to drop, a crescendo is about to swell or damn, at least give us an interlude, please! But with Perforations there is nothing of the sort; just a slew of harmonies (that sound like the Mamma’s & the Pappa’s) and layers of broken rhythm compounded by erratic drum beats; hence CD title Perforations.
In Perforations, you are forced to follow along each note with apt scrutiny, carefully listening, awaiting for an actually melody to form.
The professional artwork of the CD itself is great but pair that up with the actual music and well, it leaves something to be desired. While I do appreciate what Champion Kickboxer is trying to do, I have to say, I wasn’t all that impressed.
If anything, they should market the CD as "experimental" and leave it at that, so at least you know what you are getting yourself into.

- Mia Carlin

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