Search - Read Yellow :: Radios Burn Faster

"Burn" it up

E. A Solinas | MD USA | 06/09/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Loud bass-heavy rock with a punk edge, and a lot of incoherently shouted lyrics. Read Yellow's full-length debut "Radios Burn Faster" has plenty of energy and verve, but it needs to be reined in. It sounds like music to careen off a bridge to -- spectacular to watch, but out of control.It kicks off with the gradual buildup to "Association," a so-so punk song that unfolds into the frenetic, snarling "Model America." Following it are simplstic bass-heavy rockers like "The Art" and "The Easiest Part of Surveillance," frothing punk like "Modern Phobias," before wrapping up with the lower-key, catchy "A Love Supreme."Nobody could accuse Read Yellow of being perky. They delve into nasty, sometimes creepy stuff like plane crashes, crippling phobias and political disses. Their songwriting is razor sharp and edged with political and social commentary; it's biting and exhilarating.The biggest flaw of "Radios Burn Faster" is that too many songs sound alike -- extremely straightforward riffs and basslines, with little melody. While that's fun for one or two songs, it isn't terribly interesting to listen to. A spattering of droning feedback and some solid percussion partly redeem the duller songs, which would be even better if the bass didn't frequently drown out the drumming.Evan Kenney opts to howl like a banshee rather than really sing, which is energizing when you can actually make out the words. The repeated line of "Shut out!" sounds more like "Shalom!" his voice is often buried under the roiling instrumentals. But at least he sounds like he means whatever he's saying.Read Yellow has the passion and the skills, now they just need to hone them to become a good band. With frenzied vocals and some unexciting instrumentation, "Radios Burn Faster" has plenty of promise, but not a lot more than that."

Riveting...amazing

Randi | MA, USA | 05/31/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This cd is absolutely one of the best I've ever added to my collection. Being a 16yr old girl and stuff there is a lot of crappy music out there today ..... but not this. Read Yellow has a fresh sound..perfect for parties, etc. I highly reccomend it."