- Purchase a product from the Music Store sold by Amazon.co.uk and receive £1 to use on an album download in our MP3 Store. Here's how (terms and conditions apply)
All our MP3 downloads are fully compatible with iPods, iPhones, Android devices and other popular digital music players. Once you've made your purchase, your music will be automatically added to your iTunes or Windows Media Player library via our downloader app. Try it out for nothing with our selection of free tracks or learn more. |
Special Offers and Product Promotions
Frequently Bought Together
Product details
|
Listen to Samples and Buy MP3s
Songs from this album are available to purchase as MP3s. Click on "Buy MP3" or
view the MP3 Album.
|
Product Description
Review
Hard-Fi have dawdled since 2007's Once Upon a Time in the West, with its slated 'No Cover Art' sleeve overshadowing the fact it reached number one. But they return to stall the supposed demise of rock, showing that, despite Liam's delusions, the state of the genre's health does not rest on Beady Eye's shoulders alone.
That band's suburban tales of lost youth emerged at a vibrant time for the post-Britpop domestic scene, their debut album going platinum in the UK and spending over 100 weeks on the charts. But unlike The Horrors' recent Skying, said group's own third collection, there are few surprises here. Calling this set Killer Sounds is a brave declaration, then, and one that doesn't wholly hold water.
The quartet springs out the traps so eagerly that they almost fall on their faces, opener Good for Nothing not quite the anthem they think it is, although its sturdy beats and piano middle-eight do improve with each listen. Killer Sounds is mostly self-produced by singer Richard Archer; but with it currently hard to eat a sandwich without Stuart Price having had some involvement in spreading its filling, he contributes to the jubilant Fire in the House. The track's impossible to listen to without the sense of a jostling crowd stretching to the horizon, and lager being thrown around. If Hard-Fi's goal is to be the British Killers then this number sees them come close, as does the seamless blend of brazen guitars and electronics on Give It Up.
However, these sounds aren't all killer: the hollow Feels Good explores the possibilities of the sitar and a rhyming dictionary ("cocaine" with "propane", anyone?) and enthusiasm masks poor writing on Love Song. Sweat is another example of them working too hard without realising their ambitions, while Excitement should never have made the cut.
The prevailing lack of invention is frustrating, although the Clash-influenced Stay Alive's radio-friendly rock and Bring It On are convincing arguments for its absence. Following 40 minutes of lyrical vagueness about hearts on fire and cheques you can't cash, the acoustic title-track, about the death of youth, wears its heart touchingly on its sleeve.
Killer Sounds is as assured as third albums should be, and were it a debut album it would be feted as a bright start. However, there is the sense we should be expecting more from Hard-Fi at this point, as the sporadic sparks of brilliance here demonstrate they are capable of it.
--Tom Hocknell
Find more music at the BBC This link will take you off Amazon in a new window
CD Description
After a three year break, Hard-Fi are back with aplomb and have honed their trademark sound. With previous tracks "Suburban Nights", "Hard to Beat", "Cash Machine", and "Living For The Weekend" already under their wings, they’re sure to break the mould once again with their boisterous up-tempo tunes. The band’s vibrant new album (partly recorded in Los Angeles and in Staines’ Cherry Lips studios) has been co-produced by frontman, Richard Archer, with the help of some highly-praised names: Stuart Price (The Killers, Madonna), Grey Kurstin (Lily Allen) and Alan Moulder (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Killers).
Tags Customers Associate with This Product(What's this?)Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
|
Customer Reviews
|
Share your thoughts with other customers:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Definitely Killer Sounds,
By
This review is from: Killer Sounds (Audio CD)
Having not heard anything from Hard-Fi since their first album, I was intrigued to see that their third album was being released. I'm by no means a hardened fan and for some reason their second album passed me by.After hearing the first couple of singles from this album I decided to pre-order and I'm glad I did. This album is full of upbeat songs that are easy to get into and are quite catchy after only a couple of plays. I was going to list a few of my favourite tracks but quite frankly I'm having difficulty trying to narrow down a handful from the 11 tracks present as they are all equally as good. In today's world of X Factor finalists and Rap artists I've become disillusioned with the music industry of today and am heavily into Indie/Rock music. Bands like Hard-Fi are the reason why I love this genre of music and they keep churning out great music, I'm surprised why so many bands aren't as successful in the music industry as a whole. I just hope people realise it and buy this album, it really is worth the money. As a final point I just wanted to mention that I love the artwork on the album. 5 Stars all the way for me, highly recommended album if you're into your bands and like good music.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Slow Burner,
By
This review is from: Killer Sounds (Audio CD)
I was waiting for this album , with anticipation after their first two Albums , but at first found it hard going , maybe I expected to much , the sound had change more drum and bass , but have to say ,I have grown to love the album , they still have something special , I can't identify what reminds me of The clash , The Police , a very punky urban , and somewhat seedy feel to there music not unlike The Early Pet Shop boys ,To sum up if you buy it , give it a chance , not one bad track on it , great album
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A real grower!,
This review is from: Killer Sounds (Audio CD)
I thought this album was only average when i first listened to it. But i gave it a chance and by the 3rd listen it just gets better and better.It is now my favourite album of the year. Can't wait to hear it live it will be bouncing!!!
Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews |
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Listmania!
|
|
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
