Search - Knockout Drops :: Killed By the Lights

Killer.

Becky B | Pittsburgh, PA United States | 02/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've pretty much given up on radio and so-called "music" television. If we're not being inundated by scantily clad talentless girls and boys, writhing around singing passionless come-ons, we're being bombarded by "rock" acts who have tried to sanitize their music for the sake of a pop-centric audience or who are just regurgitating the classic rock sounds of The Stones and The Who, without putting any of said acts' thought, heart or originality into it. Yes, rock 'n roll is in critical condition these days. But there is hope. I've found a cure with Knockout Drops. Get this CD and swallow it down. Trust me, it's good for you.Apparently the band has been around for several years now, but this is their first full-length release. They have quite a loyal following in New York, and have toured with such acts like The Violent Femmes, Better Than Ezra and Soul Asylum, whose influences can be heard here and there on "Killed By The Lights". This record is like a sweet mixture of all the best elements of alternative and rootsy rock, with a few secret ingredients thrown in. The band consists of lead singer Chris Campion, guitarist Tom Licameli, bassist Phil Mastrangelo and drummer Vinny Cimino. Each member brings something special to the mix, but as with most bands, the focus tends to fall on the lead singer's shoulders. And what capable shoulders they are. Chris Campion's voice is somewhat similar to that of his brother Billy, formerly of The Bogmen (currently known as Vic Thrill). However, Chris has more of a countrified sound with a range that goes from sweet angel to raspy, down and dirty devil. There is nothing phony or contrived about this guy, and he delivers his lyrics with an urgency and honesty that is rare these days. For instance, when he sings, "You say that I was just a face for that time and place/And not just a precious memory instead" in "Say Something", I feel like finding the girl that made him write that and smacking her around a bit. The song may not even be about him, but he makes me believe that it is. He's just that good.Obviously, "Say Something" is a favorite of mine, but the real stand-out track here is "Wrong Side of Love". It's one of those songs that is just so perfect that it's hard to describe why. But I have a dream that one day I'll walk into a bar or a party and instead of seeing a group of drunken revelers sitting around singing "Piano Man" or "American Pie" at the top of their lungs, they'll be singing "Wrong Side of Love". It has that timeless, classic quality to it. I can't imagine anyone NOT liking this song.As for the rest of the songs, every one is wonderful in its own way and there is absolutely no filler to be found on this record. Songs like "Hellride", "Wasted" and "Only Man In The Universe" are great uptempo rock songs with irresistible melodies that make you wanna dance or drive real fast with the windows down. Two of the last numbers on the record, "Caught In The Headlights" and "In The Returning Hours" have a harder edge and make you just want to sit with your eyes closed, singing along to the lyrics. "..Headlights" is probably my favorite track next to "Wrong Side of Love", with its great opening riff, picture-painting lyrics and Campion's vocal mood-swings. "..Hours" is the epic of the record, clocking in at over 7 minutes. It's a beautiful, sweeping song that builds and builds to an ending that you want to shout from the rooftops. "Head Full O' Worry" is a perfect record-closer; an acoustic song that perfectly showcases Licameli's lovely, understated guitar work and Campion's gritty but pretty, honest vocals. Well, I just flipped on the radio and surprise...Staind is on...again. I'm feeling a little weak; I think it's time for my Drops. Everyone, do yourselves a favor and pick up these Knockout Drops. Take care of your musical health."