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French Kicks

The Trial of the Century

Star Time Int. | 2004 | Album

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“The Trial of the Century” is the follow up to the French Kicks’ first outing “One Time Bells”. While the band seems to have found a decidedly more distinct Kicks’ sound, there is nothing all that exciting about it. It’s not a bad record, but it’s not all that interesting either.

This second outing is smoother and slower than the first. It has a decidedly Cars feeling without the catchy choruses and the heavy guitar work. It is a sad break-up record disguised in synth-pop happiness. “One More Time” starts things off at a gallop but ultimately rides off aimlessly and never recovers. “You Could Not Decide” might be the best track on the record, a bouncy guitar song that wonders if it’s worth it to restart a fizzled relationship. “Only So Long” has a pulsating beat juxtaposed with sunken vocals, but it never goes anywhere but down.

Nick Stumpf, his brother Lawrence, Josh Wise and Matthew Stinchcomb are all capable, talented musicians who seem to be finding a way to stand apart from the deluge of New York bands, which cannot be an easy task. I only hope on their next outing they bring with them songs that not only define them, but stay with us after we’ve turned off the record.

Renee Stock