French Kicks The Trial of the Century

[Startime International; 2004]

Styles: indie rock, power pop, blue-eyed soul
Others: Natural History, Elvis Costello and the Attractions, Spoon


If you're one of those poor saps lucky enough to be nursing a break-up to the tune of the new Walkmen record, listen up. When the raw, rough-around-the-edges brilliance of Bows and Arrows has performed its final stroke of catharsis, have The Trial of the Century ready for the baton hand-off. This record is definitely step two in the healing process. How thoughtful of these NYC boys to offer countless hours of wisdom, support, and understanding for about $30 total. Shit, most shrinks charge about $100. Each visit! Or at least that's what I hear.

While the angry and charged frustration of Bows and Arrows is great, Hamilton's howl can be an acquired taste. Trial of the Century is a bit more refined, subtle, and accessible. Consider if you will the difference between Michael J. Fox as plain old Scott Howard and full-on, keg-demanding Teen Wolf. Trial is as rhythmically acerbic and propulsive as the last couple of French Kicks offerings, but the pace is a little slower and more deliberate, the songwriting more cohesive, reflective, and mature. Thankfully, working with a big name rawk producer (Doug Boehm) didn't sacrifice the decidedly frantic "French Kicks soundâ„¢" established on Young Lawyer and One Time Bells. The drums are a little bigger, the subs a little louder, but overall Boehm's imprint is attenuated when compared to his work with say, the Vines. (Insert indignant music snob scoff of your own here).

Nicholas Stumpf's Prince-inspired falsetto gets a little more attention on this record with "Oh Fine" and "Better Time" and manages to sound pretty authentic. The title track offers an air-tight interplay of heartbreaking lyrics and plunking piano, and the stunning directness of "Only So Long" is sullied only by the distracting harmony in the chorus. The album's standout is the ultra urgent "Don't Thank Me," replete with back-up "ooohs" galore and a stop-on-a-dime ending a certain other hip young New York band would be proud of.

1. One More Time
2. Don't Thank Me
3. The Trial of the Century
4. Oh Fine
5. The Falls
6. Was It A Crime?
7. Following Waves
8. You Could Not Decide
9. Yes, I Guess
10. Only So Long
11. Better Time

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