Smoking Kills
- Rock/Glam/Punk
- 2009
- Buy the CD
Reviewed by Lee Zimmerman
That said, Smoking Kills isn’t a half bad record, and while the band may eschew any attitudinal adjustment implied by their name – and disavow any cautionary inclinations suggested by the album title – one can’t help but admire the adolescent exuberance and intensity that ricochets through this effort overall. Stringfellow’s co-conspirators are expatriates of an earlier group called Briskeby, and if there was any suspicion they’re out to ride Stringfellow’s well-garnished coattails in order to substantiate their standing, it’s all but dispelled after an initial listen. Rather, they assert themselves with a decidedly edgy attitude, chock full of youthful indulgence and aggressive energy. The unbridled outpour continues unabated, igniting each entry with an effusive aggression that spills over the top with all-out abandon. "Falling Knives" channels the manic appeal of the early Kinks, while "I Got Tired" recalls a primal Stones. So too, songs like "Yours for the Taking" and "Shadow of Your Doubt" are oddly addictive, and that despite any suggestion about a supposed lack of discipline, the DiSCiPLiNES have due cause to flaunt their punk prowess.
Ultimately, though, the most accessible song of the set is the final track, "Oslo." Taken at a mellower pace, edge turns to angst and the DiSCiPLiNES get in touch with their inner emotions. Here Stringfellow seems perfectly at home, the melody more muted and all hints of youthful insurgence placed at least temporarily at bay.
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