The Burning Hour

Being labeled as a 'youth rock outfit' may sound a little blasé in today’s musical landscape (Mick Jagger, after all, shows there are no age restrictions in rock 'n roll—you either have it, or you don’t), the fact that all five band members are aged between 19 and 21 is worth noting. With relatively little musical experience between the members (high school and college bands aside), the musical aptitude shown in The Burning Hour speaks volumes about the band's talent. With a richness of sound and breathtaking attention to detail (the layering and arrangement on every track will only be appreciated over time, with every visit offering the listener something new and rewarding).

Structure is, without a doubt, where the group's strength lies. It is a standout feature on their debut album. Delicious instrumental combinations and excellent lyrics help create a highly addictive rhythm, with an intensity of emotion to match. RC's guitar work may dominate in parts, but it is effortlessly set aside in others, showing the versatility and skill of the band. There are no 'bit players' in this group—every member can (and does) hold their own. With a subtlety, matched only by the skill of the arrangement, The Burning Hour offers so much more than just the standard riffs and drum rhythm. The classical training of keyboardist Andrew Ampaya even shines through, with the piano work on tracks such as "Painted Red" and "I Won't Follow", creating a softer, more wistful sound.

If structure and detail are the backbone of the band's music, then lyrics and Levine's vocals provide the heart. With a voice perfectly suited to capture the youthful mood of longing and suffering , Levine's vocals achieve the improbable feat of standing up to the richness of the instrumental backing. Along with the overarching themes of love, loss and unabashed yearning, The Burning Hour achieves a balance between the extremities of brooding and energetic delirium. While many debut offerings may have deficiencies in depth, creativity or imagination, Test Your Reflexes have avoided these common pitfalls to deliver a complete and cohesive album.

With the musical skill displayed on the album, there is no standout tracks to speak of, and all are well worth exploring. "Painted Red" is a wistful exploration of the dichotomy of life and love; the pain and the beauty, the highs and the lows. Levine's vocals are resounding, and delivered with something close to suffering. Strong verses and vocal work are well complimented by richly layered instrumental accompaniment. Excellent use of piano and backing vocals help to set the mood, adding a depth to the music. While the long guitar solo at the end seems a little out of place, the skill with which it is delivered makes it worth a listen or two!

"Thinking of You" and "New Year" mark an increase in the tempo, with bouncy keyboard work providing a foot tapping beat, to combine well with well structured verse and chorus vocals.

"This Year (I hope we fall in love)" sums up the band and the album beautifully. The relaxing, playful sound seems perfectly suited to long hot summer days—if you are at the beach or by the pool, then this track will provide the perfect background.

Test Your Reflex have succeeded in delivering a full and rich debut album, creating a sound with maturity beyond their relatively young years. The Burning Hour is a rewarding listening experience, with detail that will have you discovering more and more every time. So grab a tall, cool drink, set up the deck chair, and away you go!

The Burning Hour comes out 20 February 2007.

• Test Your Reflex MySpace
  
• Watch Pieces of the Sun Video
  

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Read or add comments about this item.

No. 7 :

Just bought the CD...It is AMAZING. Not to mention that their live show is passionate, energetic and FUN!

Submitted by Rose • 2007-04-25 21:23:01

No. 6 :

Besides the great music, the guys are totally down to earth, too....

Submitted by Don • 2007-04-13 12:31:36

No. 5 :

I am in love, their music gows on u, the more i listen to it the more i want to paly it over and over! You are guys ROCKKKKKK! it's about time, the first time I saw Augustin I was in love!!

Submitted by GotWebsite? • 2007-04-10 09:58:05

No. 4 :

Finally a band like test your reflex comes out! It seems i had to wait a decade to hear something different then the mass produced plastic "music" out there. These are are definately gonna be huge!

Submitted by Mark Hagen • 2007-02-03 19:28:59

No. 3 :

this band is really great i think they will be absolut chart stormers

Submitted by the pintenog • 2007-02-02 15:41:35

No. 2 :

I saw this talented band when they were here last year in Chicago. They were amazing. Ryan can sing one into a hypnotic state. If you get the chance check them out. These boys are going places and they ROCK! :)

Submitted by ChicagoHun • 2007-01-25 18:36:25

No. 1 :

I will definitely have to check these guys out. Great review!

Submitted by PennyPirate • 2007-01-24 08:40:06

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