50-Word Reviews I

June 7th, 2006 by JayJay

The Sheer – Feel The Need
The best Holland has to offer in Britpop at the moment. As edgy as The Keyword Is Excitement (their first), it somewhat sounds like a sandbox-album to find the right sound. Straightforward rocksongs combined with the occasional ballad, topped of with a dressing of cheerfulness. Some lack in the lyrics department though. Score: 8/14 Preview

Taxi To The Ocean – Taxi To The Ocean
Released in 2005, but underrated by the media. The guitars, the weird synths, the melodies, they all sound really good when played by these guys. Add a voice with lots of character and 11 good songs and voil�, a very nice rockalbum, made in Holland. Score: 9/14 Preview
 

Snow Patrol – Eyes Open
Gary Lightbody is the best. No discussion. Snow Patrol’s lead-singer proves himself again by writing another album full of amazing songs. At least as brilliant as Final Straw; this might just another step towards world domination; having fans on both sides of the Atlantic, and having supported U2 on their last tour� Score: 12/14 Preview

Nizlopi – Half these songs are about you…
Known for their outstanding video for JCB, Nizlopi already made it to my best-of-2006 list. Not having a record label and still competing for the no. 1 spot in the British charts last Christmas should say enough. I bet these bittersweet songs about everydaylifethingies might even melt Betsy’s heart!
Score: 13/14 (-1 because Betsy’s heart might not)

Johan – Thx Jhn
Another Dutch treasure. Having made the critically acclaimed Pergola in 2001, the fans waited 5 long years for this album. Why? Leading man Jacco de Greeuw delivers quality records only. Is that true? Well, it just might be, because the R.E.M.-like songs just do not fail. Excelsior strikes again! (probably until 2011…) Score: 11/14 Preview