Review Summary: So in conclusion, Karate High School has accomplished a goal that all bands strive to complete on their first try. They have created an album that is real musical fun with good replay value. It's got some great quirks too.
I've listened to these guys from the start and they finally have an album out. And I am Finally reviewing it. So, lets get started. The album art proves that if you take this seriously, you will not have a good time listening to it. So, yeah. Lighten up.
1. Good News And Bad News
This song really introduces what Karate High School is. The keyboards come in early, showing you just what makes KHS so unique. There's some background screaming, which really is unnecessary but I don't mind. The chorus is really catchy and it's just fun way to start off an album. 4/5
2. Twice Upon A Time(110%)
The song starts off with the highlight of the song, the keyboards. They are catchy and really freakin' melodically awesome. This song is a little bit harder and better than the previous track. It's also better than the next track. 4/5
3. 88 Million Light Years Away
This is a good song I guess. It would be way better if it wasn't paired up with the second track. The way the intro turns into the chorus reminds me of the Twice Upon but it's all good. The bridge thing near the end is a little tedious. But it doesn't bring the album down. 3/5
4. Sweep The Leg
This is the song that KHS is famous for, mainly because it perfectly sums up what they are. Crazy and ridiculous. And totally sincere about. This is one of the album's best. PUT EM IN A BODY BAG! 5/5
5. This Is The Soundtrack
Ah, the song that sounds like it's about Windwaker. Diving into the band's obvious obsession with video games, Soundtrack rocks hard than you, your mom, and an Italian table and chair set. All sorts of lyrics about video games, pressing buttons, and secret codes make you give up the hope of listening to a much deeper album. And in the end, you are more than happy to do so. 4.5/5
6. Scenes Rushing By
If you can say that a song ruined this album it's probably this song. It's sweet but definitely not short. At a tiring five minutes and fifty seven seconds it just sounds dragged out. The keyboards and guitars sounds messy at first, but it eventually becomes listenable. The line "You can't ignore your fate" is way repetitive and is responsible for the running time, but it's forgivable. 2.5/5
7. Extra! Extra! (Hear All About It)
The perfect pick-me-up after the previous song. After seeing it's way through chatter and a heavy punk riff, the song starts into the catchy and screamy verse. Soon, the song turns into the chorus, which more rhythmically dominated. It's real cool. 4/5
8. Another Day At The Office
One of my least favorites on the album. It doesn't suck, though does remind me of Fight Club and my brother's apartment. Weird. Anyway, the verse is kind of quiet and the chorus is catchy, like 88 Million. The breakdown is awesome and the highlight of the song. 3.5/5
9. Oh No
A weird intro thing based off the song's title starts off the song with eccentric flair. Then the song sticks it right foot in the grave by telling the us the sappy story of a high school romance gone sour. The melodic chorus can't make up for the cheesy verse, so this song is usually overlooked when I am just looking for something to listen to. 3/5
10. Smile, You're On TV
A palm-muted riff and and an intro scream start this song off right like Wheaties in Tiger Woods' stomach. It's a really solid and satirical song, mocking pop culture and popularity while constantly becoming more and more intense. At it's climax, the keyboards turn into flutes, lightening up the moment as the song closes. Genius. 5/5
11. The Joke Is On Us
The album closer starts off epic. It's a huge rant about growing old and feeling like you took a wrong turn somewhere in your life. But it's great. The final few seconds complete the album, when the chant "In the end we aren't left with answers, we're left with choices" is screamed over keyboards that drop out from under it, leaving the vocals on their own, and finishing the CD. 4/5
FIRST TIME LISTENER PICKS:
Good News And Bad News
Sweep The Leg
This Is The Soundtrack
Smile, You're On TV
