published: 23 /
6 /
2005
Label:
Glimmer Kids
Format: CD
Messy, unsatisfying debut album from LA duo the Glimmer Kids, which proves to be totally unappealing
Review
When I received this album I looked at the art work and expected to hear something with a similar sound to the Scissor Sisters. The Glimmer Kids are, however, nothing of the sort.
Instead lead singer, Jimm Glimm (no I am not making it up), belts out angst ridden lyrics to a Placebo-influenced background noise.The second half of the band is guitarist and drummer Simon, and although he can play the instruments, his talents are not pushed with these simple and at times messy riffs and drum beats.
All 11 songs on the album seem to merge into one, with none of them standing out as a favourite. The lyrics don’t stretch any boundaries with a lot of the emphasis on how well they rhyme rather than what they mean. The Smashing Pumpkins are an obvious influence on Glimm and I get the feeling he has not yet found a style he is comfortable with and upon which he can build.
The Glimmer Kids have found success in Japan since they formed in 2002 and they do have some talent mixed up in this album. The main problem is, it seems, to be pulling in every direction without actually reaching any of the musical styles it is aiming for. If the Glimmer Kids could decide how they want to sound they could get away from this bland middle ground and allow their talent to grow.
The advice on the sleeve of the album reads: “this album should be played at maximum volume,” however this should only be followed if your aim is to clear the room.
Track Listing:-
1
Star Song
2
My Little Sin
3
Alive
4
Buy You
5
Plastic Doll
6
Shake Up
7
Two Fools
8
Free
9
The World's Not Right
10
Stars Turned On
11
Just What I Needed