Sonik Kicks: Sonik Kicks [Import]

Product Details

Audio CD (April 3, 2012)
Number of Discs: 1
Format: Import
Label: Island UK
ASIN: B006B5IFP0
In-Print Editions: Audio CD | Vinyl | MP3 Download

By : Paul Weller|Format:Audio CD
Price : $26.99

Sonik Kicks [Import]

Consumer Reviews

A different treat for Paul Weller fans. Sonik Kicks expands on the musical experimentation heard on 22 Dreams and 2010's Wake Up The Nation (Amazon MP3 Exclusive Version - Deluxe Edition), placing it all together in a selection of songs that sound fresh and new, even as it echoes and evokes songs from throughout Weller's Jam, Style Council and solo profession. Green is a typical attention-grabbing opener, mixing a thumping beat with fizzy sound effects and a mashup of sung and spoken word lyrics. That Dangerous Age is like a 53-year-old's version of The Jam's Just Who Is the 5 O'clock Hero? -- 1 in which the hero is no longer "scrimping and saving and crossing off lists," rather he's now "sick and tired of the cash" and distracted by "a chick in the workplace." Sleep of the Serene is an instrumental that could be the bedtime music for those who live Life at a Top Peoples Health Farm. By the Waters is lyrically like a lost track from Wild Wood, with a additional plaintive vocal for these extra anxious instances. The final track incorporates vocals from two of Weller's kids into a song of life and death and appreciate and optimism and possibly a wish for fans of all ages: Be Content Children.

Maybe Weller giving up the booze was a very good thing judging by this suprisingly original and unorthodox new Paul Weller record. Though his output of late has been above typical this most recent Sonik" adventure goes beyond expectations. Weller has generally been a altering man but i seriously didnt feel hed push that title this far. The opening track GREEN sets the bar- a weird pulsing contemporary electronic pyschedelia with half spoken vocals and random bursts of acid guitar and swirling synth- its really one particular of a sort and the vocals harken back to of all issues - the Sound Affects Jam era. The subsequent set of tracks continue on a mix of electronic and pop rock- all to positive effect! Particulary KLING I KLANG sounds like know your rights(the clash) speed up to polka sped with Weller spouting of like the angry young man he when was. By the 5th tune its back to the wildwood era - BY THE WATERS is basically gorgeous! Nick Drake melancholie strings and simple acoustic guitar drive a single of Wellers most haunting tunes ever. ThAT Harmful AGE follows and is like late 70s Bowie - a great pop single- catchy- disposable and memorable at the similar time. STUDY IN BLUE sounds like a clash or Tricky FI dub number done by the style council- the long instrumental outro never ever growing tired. DRAGONFLY weaves like psychedelic drama ala The Damned- with a dark sound and lyrical subject matter. Only a handful of songs appear to fail- WHEN YOUR GARDENS OVERGROWN is weighed down by a incredibly repetitive cheesy synth aprregiated line- as well poor given that it has a amazing chorus- this is a single that maybe comes across overproduced and misguided by the abundant electronic element which is throughout the entire album. Quickly to the rescue comes Around THE LAKE which has a JOY DIVISION really feel- a throbbing electronic rock mix that is one of tha albums finest tunes along with DRIFTERS which is somewhat a companian piece and is a best followup tune in the track order. PAPERCHASE is slow burner and continues the rocktronic sound of the album- with a a good middle eastern sounding synthetic string section- when once again a Bowie influence creeps up in the arrangement and vocal! The album closes on a future soul/pop ode of positivity via BE Pleased Kids- with phased strings and contributions from his wife and kids.
Sonik Kicks is perhaps in the finish Wellers most varied and distinctive solo album- with a heavy nod to dance and electronic components not applied just before! For a guy whos approaching his mid 50s this is truly a revelation as it sounds young and hungry! Some old fans can write it off as self indulgent or overproduced and too "electronic" but i assume correct WEller fans will appreciate the new sound and try to stay relevant! In the end i give four.five stars out of five