Search - Futureheads :: News & Tributes

The Futureheads Outdo Themselves!

Kevin C | 06/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Okay, I've said it before and I'll say it again, when it comes to rock music, well, great rock music that is, it all comes down to a band's ability to arrange a song. Anyone can play guitar and strum a little but it is when you run wild with it and give it some original oomph, that makes it brilliant. The Futureheads' News and Tributes is one of the best albums to come out of Great Britain in a long time...probably since their debut. News and Tributes contains a collection of more wider ranged songs than the debut where each song has its own feel. While listening, I couldn't help but think that it sounds more like a Greatest Hits album than anything. The order the songs play out is perfect, Lyrically it's stronger, and the arrangements of each and every song contain so many surprises that really I think it would take about five or more listens to really absorb it. In Fact the only song on it I don't like is the Decent Days and Nights remix and really that has nothing to do with News And Tributes. I'm not sure what this fad is with bands wanting to remix their own work. Interpol tried it, and it didn't work. Bloc Party Tried it and it was achingly embarrasing, and the Futureheads' Decent days And Nights remix is no exception. However the other bonus track are utterly amazing, particularly "Help Us Out." Other than that the album is perfect in every way. The Futureheads have obviously worked on their writing skills because unlike the first album (which for a debut was incredible) every song on News And Tributes provides a clearer perspective with more Pop Sensibilities. With so many british bands out there it really becomes a challenge to pick out the best one. What separates The Futureheads from the others is that they have always had the potential to steer away from the New Wave invasion whereas the others are most likely going to get stuck there. Sure Maximo Park, Bloc Party, and Kaiser Chiefs have some okay moments but none of their songs compare to even the weaker Futureheads songs which are inexistent on News and Tributes. The Futureheads know who they are and what they want to accomplish and through all the risk-taking moments on News and Tributes it is just that much more apparent. To me, The Futureheads to Great Britain are what The Strokes are to The United States...their country's best rock band."

I just can't figure out why they're not huge yet!

C. Romero | los angeles, CA usa | 06/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My goodness, what a follow up. Very brave. Burnt is beautiful, probably my favorite.Favours for Favours is another favorite. Yes/No is a great indication of "we're back"-ness with it's build-up to anthemic arcadefire-esque chanting. At first i was dissapointed with the choice single Skip to the End but with a few listens it really became great. not really the effect you want from a single though i suppose. Ross' singing gets to shine on this album. Back to the Sea is 'one damn song that could make me break down and cry.' it did actually make me cry when they played it live. i don't know why. it's just so beautiful i guess. i don't understand why they arn't as big, or bigger, than franz and block party or even arctic monkeys for that matter. i love these guys. Brilliant."

Brilliant. There is no other word.

Buzzipper | Winterport, ME United States | 06/23/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I waited until I listened to the Futureheads new album a full five times before I let myself review it. Of course, by the third time, I was singing along and pumping my fist with absolute glee. Hard to believe that, as with their first release, I found myself thinking that I would never be able to sing along to such disjointed, herky-jerky music. But now, oh man, now, I stand corrected. This album is deeper, smarter and more complete than the first, which I still adore. But this one is so jumpy and excitingly spastic, while being more mature and even-keeled, that it just blows me away. It's brilliant, there is no other word. The songs keep you on your toes with wonderful twists and turns, terrific beats and their signature guitars and amazing vocals. They flow perfectly into one another, rocking and rolling and making me smile like no other band on the planet. This is the kind of music that truly satisfies."