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Side Brain - Reviews LEFT SIDE BRAIN
'Action Potential'
(Sugar Shack)
KKKK
Bristol Quartet Shine on Album Two
The functions of the human brain’s left hemisphere include logic, rationality and objectivity. One major factor scientists have clearly overlooked in this Bristol-based foursome’s case is the ability to harness the power of the riff. With a capital R. Fusing Helmet’s bludgeoning power to Kerbdog’s sense of driving melody. Left Side Brain deliver an impressively strong, no-nonsense follow-up to their 2004 debut ‘Equal and Opposite’.
From the one-two attack of ‘At Your Own Risk’ and ‘Exit Route’, to the controlled aggression of ‘Save Yourself’- featuring guest vocals from Reuben’s Jamie Lenman – ‘Action Potential’ has hook-filled anthems in abundance. Left Side Brain prove themselves to be one of the brightest lights in British rock. Go to the light.
Download: !Sayonara!, Ghost Train’
For Fans: Helmet, Theraphy?
Simon Young
KERRANG
LEFT SIDE BRAIN
'Action Potential'
(Sugar Shack)
8/10
A Thinking Man's Modern Rock Band....
As the side of the brain concerned with organisation, thought and logic, it's appropriate that Left Side Brain's music resembles some kind of winning mathematical formula. Combining the taut, muscular riffs of
Therapy?, the melodic suss of Foo Fighters, the brute force of Helmet and the emo edginess of Funeral For A Friend, these Bristol-based boys have fashioned an album that sounds both familiar and fresh. Building on the promise of their 2004 debut, Equal And Opposite, Action Potential reveals Left Side Brain to have not only a patent grasp of basic rock dynamics but also the ability to stretch out and flex their technical
muscles-particularly on the closing nine-minute instrumental Gas Giant.
Phil Ascott
CLASSIC ROCK
LEFT SIDE BRAIN
'Action Potential'
(Sugar Shack)
8/10
While the Americans have always utilised cameo appearances by friends in
high places to boost their appeal, our ever-modest Brit bands have preferred
to make it on their own steam. Maybe it's a sign of growing confidence in
the significance of UK bands, but nonetheless LSB made a wise move in
employing Reuben's Jamie Lenman on 'Save Yourself', as he's helped create an
undisputed hard rock highlight on this, their second album. The
Bristol-based band haven't enjoyed the same success as Reuben so far, but
it's surely only a matter of time. Combining driving rock of the Helmet
variety with the melodic sensibilities that made early Foo Fighters so
great, their songs are a very worth addition to the Brit-rock arsenal.
www.leftsidebrain.com
VICTORIA DURHAM
ROCKSOUND
Decks Of Doom
What's Rocking The K! stereos This Week
SIMON YOUNG ( Introducing Editor )
Left Side Brain 'Action Potential'
(Sugar Shack)
Fans of HELMET,KERBDOG and THERAPHY? should check out this storming second album from Bristol-based foursome. Out March 20th
KERRANG
LEFT SIDE BRAIN
CASABLANCAS, BRISTOL, 11.2.2006
KKK
Underneath Left Side Brain's 'nu'exterior lurks something tasty-namely a nice line in soaring choruses-but the fact that it's wrapped up in such middle-aged riffs means it's a struggle getting to it.So it goes that there are brief flashes of excellence tonight,but they never truely light the touch paper.Left Side Brain's appeal lies in the fact that they're very good at what they do,even if what they do isn't great.It could be,but only if they work their strengths better than this.
NICK RUSKELL
KERRANG
Left Side Brain
'Action Potential'
(Sugar Shack)
3/5
Follow up from the Anglo/Welsh rockers.
After their critically acclaimed debut 'Equal and Opposite', Left Side Brain had a lot to live up to. And they seem to have done well. They focus very heavily on melody driven songs, slightly reminiscent of Bush's earlier material. 'Blunderbuss'
particularly has beautifully fragile vocals, nicely backed up a cracking, crunching guitar, only complimented more by the wonderful harmonies in the chorus. There is also a guest appearance by Reuben frontman on 'Save Yourself', who vocally battles it out in one of the most aggressive tracks on the album. For people who like their guitars loud and their vocals melodic, this is deffinitely the album for you.
TRACY LOWE
BIG CHEESE
LEFT SIDE BRAIN
ACTION POTENTIAL
(SUGAR SHACK)
6/10
UK rockers suffer second album syndrome
Hard-gigged and eager to confirm our ever-growing suspicion that Wales is
the ancestral home of emo, Left Side Brain offered a genuine rival to FFAF
and the Lostprophets last year with their outstanding debut 'Equal And
Opposite'. So, how to get round that awkward second album? Tight vocal
harmonies mesh with a more retrospective hard-rocking guitar sound as a
finely mixed and well-seasoned club sound assaults the ears. Openers 'At
Your Own Risk' and 'Exit Route' both promise to further the much-hyped
rockers' cause, as they radiate radio playability. Sounding like a vaguely
miffed accountant throughout, the lead vocal is both welcome for its
dissimilarity to pretty much anyone else, and equally unwelcome for the fact
tgat it can become quite grating. 'Action Potential' should help a promising
act claim their share of the Valleys' ever-growing fan-base.
ED HOLDEN
METAL HAMMER
LEFT SIDE BRAIN
ACTION POTENTIAL
8/10
From the sound of this record Left Side Brain has plenty of synapses left
from round one to snap into round two. A follow-up to their smashing Equal
And Opposite debut, and aided by producer Neal Calderwood, this deal has the
Bristol-based Anglo-Welsh boys doing it rough'n'tough one more time. Riffs
ripping and drums ablaze the brainiest bit is still the vocal harmonies -
delivered with astounding aptitude. Reuben's Jamie Lenman adds to the
neuro-brilliance with an appearance on Save Yourself - just one of numerous
tracks that should rocket this CD into your CD player.
Best...choice for rocking your socks off!
TNT MAGAZINE
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