Tweet

Album Details

• Artist: Koufax
• Album: Social Life
• Label: Vagrant
• Year of Release: 2003
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: dscanland on 2003-08-06

I was introduced to Koufax back in 1999 with their debut self-titled debut but I somehow missed out on their debut full-length. I wasn't going to make that mistake again so now it's time for Social Life. Koufax is a band that sort of fits into the emo mold but somehow that pigeonholing doesn't seem befit for the band that brings in so many other influences. For starters, Koufax makes use of piano in pretty much every song on Social Life. Before you run away, give these guys a chance, they are definitely onto something here. This album reminds me a lot of Spoon in its approach to song structure. Especially the opening track, "Let Us Know" with a bouncy pace to it. "Break It Off" is a little more along the lines of Ben Folds Five meets Golden Earring. The band uses its influences wisely: Joe Jackson and Elvis Costello ring out nice and clear but plagiarism never occurs. These boys move completely away from any punk leanings and dive straight into the pop category. It's a nice change. The album ends with one of the brightest and happiest songs to ever come out on Vagrant (egad). "So Long To Good Times" even ends off with a cheery "Bah Bah Bah" chorus. Social Life is an album that gets better after every listen.

User Reviews and Comments

Log In or Register to Rate Albums