RIYL: Blur, David Bowie, Peter Gabriel
Though he’s never really caught fire in the US, British songwriter Paul Weller has a wide fan base in his homeland and is considered one of the more influential rock musicians of the era. His 70’s group The Jam is cited as a key influence for where to buy cialis now many modern rock acts in Britain, and after the breakup of his 80’s band The Style Council, Weller went on to receive critical and commercial success as a solo artist.
With a whopping 11 studio albums under his belt, Weller has rarely wandered far from his core songwriting formula but has still found ways to stay relevant and innovative. ‘Sonik Kicks’ marks a return to a noisier style of rock for Weller and gives his sound a much-appreciated update with slick production, synths, and an abundance of danceable drum loops.
The first three tracks hit like sonic booms, with relentless screeching guitars, roiling percussion and high-flying electronic flourishes. It isn’t until Track 5, “By the Waters,” that Weller finally catches his breath as his familiar croon emerges for a moment a respite alongside tranquil violins and lightly strummed guitar.
If you stick around long enough, the hidden gems on ‘Sonik Kicks’ emerge. “Drifters” is a high drama whirlwind sure to satisfy your nagging Bowie fix and even better is “Paper Chase”, a totally beguiling nugget of pop-rock songwriting. Anchored by a fuzzy bass riff, it’s by far the catchiest track, with a chorus full of swirling orchestration and gorgeous verses. Twinkling electro-blips accompany Weller as he gently chastises a comrade who’s lost their way. “Paper Chase/ Paper Chase,” he sings, “You can’t see the light that’s in your face”, and as the track morphs into a psychedelic storm he asks ominously “Where you gonna run now?”
More than anything, it’s the generous variety of song styles on ‘Sonik Kicks’ that makes it such an engaging listen. Whether he’s delivering his unique brand of biting social commentary, getting lost in reverie, or aiming skyward you’ll rarely regret being along for the ride. As legions of fans already know, Weller is a master of his craft, and lucky for all of us, he shows no signs of mellowing with age.
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For More Information Visit:
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http://www.paulweller.com
