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Razorlight

Up All Night (2004)
Universal Music Group

Reviewer Rating:

Contributed by: Joe
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on August 28th 2005

It is fairly common knowledge that the UK press seemingly hype the death out of a different band every week. Bands like Franz Ferdinand and the Libertines are all over the tabloids and spunked all over television until the next big thing comes along. Razorlight are another example of this.

You'll probably be familiar with the song "Golden Touch," which was on the radio frequently when released as a single, and it propelled them to the UK's consciousness. Unfortunately, it's probably the best song on the album, which is by no means a good sign. A slow start builds up into an extremely catchy chorus, and is a frustrating example of what Johnny Borell and his band are capable of. However, a lot of the songs on Up All Night drag on and start to blend into one. "Get It And Go" and "Rip It Up" are admittedly energetic tunes, but you can't shake the feeling that it is all too sloppy to truly enjoy them. Razorlight have talent, that cannot be questioned. However, they don't seem to have any good ideas with which to use it, and are merely content to stick to the same template for most of the songs, which is a bit of a shame if you ask me.

That's not to say there are not some good moments on their debut full length; "Rock N Roll Lies" and "In The City" (not a cover of the Jam, unfortunately) got my foot tapping, even if lyrically they leave a lot to be desired, but there are just not enough moments like that. Maybe they will get better; apparently their second album is due out in October of this year, but for now their scuzzy garage rock left little impression on me, save for a couple of standouts.

It appears as if, once again, the hype machine has chosen the wrong targets.

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Anonymous (December 28, 2005)

Razorlight rocks!!

Anonymous (August 29, 2005)

You're not lying about Jairus. Jairus is the shit.

Anonymous (August 29, 2005)

"Good Uk bands: My Awesome Compilation, Jets vs Sharks, Eden Maine, Capdown, Fastlane, Kneehigh, The Legacy, Milloy, Jairus, Second Smile, Get.Cape.Wear.Cape.Fly"

Good shout with Get Cape - very enjoyable live, I wouldn't have expected to see their name on here. My Awesome Compilation are Jimmy Eat World-lite, and that's no bad thing. Saw Capdown at Leeds Festival yesterday: they bring the noise. As for Razorlight, also caught them at Leeds - straight average, really, although I quite like this album. Should have gone for the whole Arcade Fire set instead though.

Anonymous (August 28, 2005)

I wish Johnny Borrell would die already, the arrogant cunt. This shit was boring when The Libertines did it, and the idea that garage rock, which was already irrelelvant when it suddenly got popular around 2001, is worth carrying on with... it boggles the mind.

I too apologise on behalf of the UK. If it helps, I blame the NME.

Anonymous (August 28, 2005)

Did I accidentally type in www.nme.com? I get enough of these ugly "rock n roll" fags on U.K radio. I beg you punknews let this be the last review of its type.

Moo

Anonymous (August 28, 2005)

we apologise for unleashing such turgid shite unto you Americans. Please don't judge us on those shit NME bands and the Lostprophets (yes they actually are british!) just like we don't judge you by the Bravery.

Good Uk bands: My Awesome Compilation, Jets vs Sharks, Eden Maine, Capdown, Fastlane, Kneehigh, The Legacy, Milloy, Jairus, Second Smile, Get.Cape.Wear.Cape.Fly!

Check them out on Myspace. Please ignore Razorlight/Franz Ferdinand etc.

kirbypuckett (August 28, 2005)

I saw this band open for Jimmy Eat World last November. Holy shit, they were awful. Thank god they've gone away.

-Scot...er Kirby

Anonymous (August 28, 2005)

get out, this band is great.
it sounds a little old school, as opposed to sloppy but thats the image that they are going for. Stumble and Fall is one of the best songs on the album, and there was no mention of that in the review, nor was there any mention of Vice, a personal favourite of mine.
sure you may think the band is average, but that is a poor review.

maverick (August 28, 2005)

I saw this band open for Jimmy Eat World last November. Holy shit, they were awful. Thank god they've gone away.

-Scott