This is an open forum for staff members, contributers, and fans alike to submit their reviews on the latest music releases and concerts. In an industry that is drowning with overprocessed, grossly overrated, unoriginal crap these days, this is our chance to allow the real stars to shine, if only on our humble, little stage; and expose you to some of our favorite talents.
Reviews are given 1 - 5 stars.
1. TONIGHT
2. SWEET SEPTEMBER
3. WINGS TO FLY
4. HAZY
5. LOVE STRUCK MELODY
6. FREE FLOW FEELING
7. COLOUR ME BLUE
8. DIZZY COLOUR BLIND
9. SUPERSONIC
10. UPS AND DOWNS
11. ROCK N ROLL HYSTERIA
12. SEVEN WITCHES ( Japanese only Bonus Track)
13. ALWAYS WITH YOU (Bonus Track)
Whilst the image above may be a little small, from looking at the CD cover, ask yourself what kind of music would you expect to hear on this CD? If you thought to yourself “good time music, with songs made for singing till your lungs gave out, perfect for cruising with the top down on a summer’s afternoon”, then great minds think alike. Now go and grab from the fridge a 1/4 of a cup of Def Leppard guitars, 2 shakes of Nelson harmonies, the lead vocals of Ted Poley era Danger Danger, a slice of Rick Springfield, mix in some Cheap Trick, add a shot of Hanson, throw in some Bon Jovi for good measure, put in the blender, mix for 3 minutes and serve topped with a Swirl 360. Ladies and Gentleman you have now made yourself a Square One shake, perfect for that hot summer’s day (Well it is now here in Australia)!
On this, their debut CD, Square One have released one of the catchiest collection of harmony laden rock/pop songs recorded to CD in quite some time. Despite supporting Hanson on their Australian tour in late 2004 and receiving some early radio play with Lovestruck Melody, it is a sad reflection of the Australian music scene that this band is without a label here and has had to source a deal from Japan.
The CD opens with the brooding Leppard’esque Tonight and then explodes into the infectious Sweet September with guitars blazin and harmonies to the max. In Wings To Fly, Hazy, Lovestruck Melody, Colour Me Blue, Dizzy Colour Blind, Rock N Roll Hysteria and the bonus track Seven Witches, we have a bunch of songs that will have you calling for the aspirin as I can assure that you will not be able to get the hooks, crunchy melodic guitars, and sublime harmonies out of your head. Whilst Free Flow Feeling, Supersonic and Ups and Downs give some slight relief, still expect to be bedazzled by their charm and admire that every member of this band can sing, and sing damn well I might add!
Even though the comparisons and influences are easily identified and plentiful, it is the lyrics that add a definite uniqueness, and at times quirkiness. I challenge you to find another band that’ has “got a space suit made of aerodactal dinoskin” and who mix with “bootscootin vampires disco dancing on ice”. At first it will drive you crazy trying to sing along to the verses, but one soon realizes that it is all part of the charm. Another highlight are the guitars....mixed with enough crunch to appeal to the rockers, solos that are nearly as catchy as the chorus’ themselves, yet the songs remain rhythmically acoustic.
The only complaint with this CD is that it does not come with bonus sunscreen to protect us from this dose of pure “sunshine” music! For those of you reading this in USA, despite it not being summer over there, Square One - Supersonic is the perfect cure for your winter blues.
Reviewed by: Scott | January 2006
