Powerspace - The Kicks Of Passion Release Date: July 31st, 2007
Record Label: Fueled By Ramen Records
It's always a big deal when Fueled By Ramen releases a new album, regardless who the band is. Their newest signee Powerspace was no exception. After their release of Houston, We Have A Party, the buzz started and many (including myself) claimed they could be the next big thing, which has become quite the popular statement amongst Fueled By Ramen bands. However, after finally listening to The Kicks Of Passion, that statement is something that I take back.
Okay, so what was so good about Houston, We Have A Party that made it one of your favorite EP's of 2006? Well, it had a ton of energy and hooks that caught my attention and never let go. The problem with The Kicks Of Passion is that it is the exact opposite, that's what let me down the most.
The album starts off with "Prologue: Adam Beckett," a track that was previously released on Houston, We Have A Party. Along with re-recording "Prologue," they also decided to re-record their entire EP for The Kicks Of Passion. When I first found this out, I was beyond excited because normally I'm a fan of re-recordings and alternate versions of songs. It turns out that instead of possibly making the songs better, they've slowed the songs down. They took out all the energy that made me fall in love with the songs in the first place. But what am I complaining for? I'll just replace them with the EP versions in my playlist. Another track, which is my favorite out of the bunch, is "Quarantine My Heart (Baby)." "Quarantine My Heart (Baby)" along with "Dancing In The Future" and "Be Aggressive" are the three songs that are the most energetic out of them all. Those were the kind of songs that I wish The Kicks Of Passion were made up of more. Lack of energy isn't my only problem with The Kicks Of Passion though. The vocals are flat most of the time and I felt that there were a lot of missed chances. There were times where the band could have done something "big" but just came up empty. The songs ended up going no where.
I wouldn't call this record "bad," but it certainly did not live up to my expectations. The Kicks Of Passion may not be something I'll play in its entirety, but I'll still be playing select songs from the album often. If you're expecting part 2 of Houston, We Have A Party, it isn't something you're going to get. Despite its multiple flaws, if you weren't a fan of their EP, this could be something that you enjoy.
these young bands need to spend more time writing quality songs and crafting a complete album, not an album that will just cash in on the current trends
these young bands need to spend more time writing quality songs and crafting a complete album, not an album that will just cash in on the current trends
i actually just saw them recently on tour with kill hannah and hawthorne heights. i wasnt impressed by their stage presence, but "right on, right now" hooked me. it's catchy.
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