So this is ManPlayingKazoo. I took a look at the CD case, and it’s pretty smart. I espeacially like the fuzzy little guitarist on the front of this 3 track demo entitled ‘Black and White and Grey’. I’m impressed with the fact they have multi media on the CD too, enabling you to hear extra live tracks as well as look at a nice range of pictures and artwork. First Song ‘Friendly Guy’ kicks in with a nice clean guitar riff that is soon joined by a gentle bass and funky drums. I have to admit, I am slightly disappointed that it’s not got a Kazoo in but they can’t be perfect I guess. After a soft start the song is given a bite in the butt and comes to life when some very chunky distortion kicks you in the face and tells you MPK are no Indie wannabes, there is more bite and some real balls to this lot. MPK’s use of dynamics and tempo changes in all the songs impresses me a lot, the guitars jump in and out of distortion mode like a game of deadly hop scotch and at the faster moments it does have hints of old punk acts. The one thing I did feel on the first song is that lead vocalist James does seem to be pushing his otherwise good voice, to its limit. James, at times on this demo, doesn’t sound all that far away from Thom Yorke of Radiohead or Matt Bellemy of Muse but I do think occasionally his voice struggles, especially in ‘Friendly Guy.
The second song: ‘Packed’ kicks straight in with a really good riff and drums that sound like a herd of elephants suffering from A.D.D, on prozac and doing a Irish jig in a crowded closet. This time the vocals are spot on, they really suit the song and his screams mould in with the heavy guitars and crazy drums like butter melting on your morning toast. Yummy. It then calmly chills back down into a quieter bridge and once again the vocals slip quietly inside and wrap the guitars up with a warm blanket of emotion, keeping the song running very nicely. Finally with a added bit of energy and distortion, they kick back in, and the lyrics confess: “I know its complicated.” Well, not on this track its not. MPK have made a very well thought out and emotion filled song sound very uncomplicated.
Final track ‘Black And White’ continues where its predecessors left off, catapulting itself into the room and setting off a storm. The dynamics are as beautiful as ever and everytime you think MPK are getting repeatative they seem to press the right button and add a new emotional twist. After all this, I still can’t make my mind up how good they really are. It certainly feels like they are good, I am almost breaking sweat after listening to them a few times and it makes you want to move and not just stand up and walk about, but run, and not just run, but run and don’t stop kinda like Forest Gump. I do love the guitar riffs and I think the drums and bass pull it together nicely, I also think this band’s use of dynamics is excellent and they really move there music around with expert skill.
Yet there is something that stops me thinking they are the greatest thing without a kazoo and I am not sure what that is. It might be the slight lack of conviction in James’ voice at times, or maybe it’s because they sound like a lot of other bands, even if those other bands are all excellent. Maybe it’s because they sound a bit too American for my liking. I don’t know. What I will conclude is: MPK are amazing at what they do, if you like Idlewild, old Radiohead, Foo Fighters, Muse or Queens Of The StoneAge, you will like this band. If you’re looking for a new twist at the moment it just misses out, you’ll be happy with MPK. They have a collection of beautifully written songs, and if James can get his voice sounding as great as it i’ve heard it at certain moments in certain songs, these guys could really be something very special.
Overall (3 / 5)
Review by Gaz
