Search - Kevin Tihista's Red Terror, Red Terror :: Don't Breathe a Word

Addictive

D. A Wu | Chicago, IL United States | 02/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Just picked up this CD a few days ago, and it's been getting heavy play in my CD Player. KT has a tremendous knack for filling out his songs, fully realizing them. In this way he reminds me of George Harrison. Add a dash of OMD, Spandau Ballet, latter-day Roxy Music, & especially Smiths; a smidgeon of Beautiful South & Stone Roses; a sprinkle of Faces & Big Star; a dosage of Oasis, Radiohead, Elliot Smith and Pet Sounds-era Beach Boys; and finally a helping of solo John Lennon; and throw in some other artists (if any?) mentioned by other reviewers, and you get an idea of his aesthetic. I'm not saying he's aping these artists, he just seems to be pushing similar buttons. The lyrics are satisfyingly smart. Right now I especially like poignant "Sucker." In the final analysis, I strongly recommend this if you are into quality slow-paced pop records. As of this writing, there are some weirdos selling it used."

Noteworthy and brilliant music (3.5 stars)

wellwellwell | bog | 03/12/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This former Triplefastaction bassist rocks out on some of the calmest music to come out of 2001. At some points, his music even sounds a bit like oldies. It does not, however, compare to Kevin's previous Chicago rock band, which was the reason I bought this CD in the first place. A lot of people have compared this release to Elliott Smith, and that may be appropriate. But to me it sounds more like a mix of Smith and Wilco. It's not at all country, but the music is slower-paced and quiet. Which is what should make this album so different and interesting for you. There are a few stand-out tracks, but for the most part the album is well-rounded. Here is a short review of the 12 songs."Just Not Enough" is a good opener, but lacks a catchy start. I think the lyrics are excellent, and once the singing starts the song becomes progressively better. "Lose The Dress" is almost certainly the best song on the CD. The second stanza is amazing ('I'm like a film star / who's out of control / I'm like a millionaire / getting blown in the limo') and the '3-2-1-rock out' chant is good, though it seems out of place. All in all, it's a sure favorite of mine; and could easily become yours. "Sucker" is a fun track. It may seem average after you listen to it once, yet it will surely grow on you. "Pretty Please" is another stellar song. It has a more popish start, but still contains beautiful lyrics. The title and the 'I'm such a fool' line let you know where the song is headed. The title track to Don't Breathe A Word may actually be a low point for the CD. It's a bit too short, and does not have as good of lyrics as the first four songs. Nevertheless, it's still enjoyable and definitely not bad. Rounding out the first half of songs, you have "Doctor". A lot of the words are repeated here, but it works well for the type of song it is. It has a fascinating start, and the way Kevin finishes with 'Oh yeah the way I feel is probably the worst / I've ever felt in my entire life' is brilliant and stunning. It's another stand-out track, and one of my personal favorites as well.Track seven is entitled "Outta Site, Outta Mind", which (oddly enough) is also the name of a Wilco song. But it is not a cover song; and in fact it is very different. Kevin runs through a series of not-so rhetorical questions (that he answers himself). It's a long, slow song that has a catchy background beat. My favorite song on the CD is "I Love Her". Being that I'm a huge Local H fan, I was surprised to see Scott Lucas' name in the booklet. Yet it's not that far-fetched, since the two bands (Local H and TFA, that is) were good friends and even toured together. Scott plays guitar on the track, and it really stands out. You kind of get the gist of the song from the start; as the lyrics read '...I'm pretty sure this hole right here / is where my heart used to go'. And the do do do do do do dos are a definite bonus for the song. You'll even catch a little anger coming from Kevin (although the tone may not show it) as he cites: 'I'm counting every single time I have tried / goddxmn goodness knows'. I love the song and it is, hand's down, my favorite song on the CD. "Stoopid Boy" is another decent song, though it may be too long for its own good. I'm pretty sure the stoopid boy is Kevin; that's obvious. The next track, "Don't You Know" is also decent. Yet it never develops into a prominent hit. There is also nothing too special about "Beautiful". It's a plain and simple song, but the 'am I man or mouse?' line is stupendous and witty. Finishing the album off with a quiet bang is "You're Going To Kill Me". It's the shortest track on the CD and its lyrics are rather abrupt as well. But unlike "Don't Breathe A Word", its simplicity works well to produce an unexpected hit. Whether or not you like the song, you have to appreciate its mocking straightforwardness.In the end, this is a slightly better-than-average release. Some of the songs are excellent, yet others don't do much at all (i.e. "Don't Breathe A Word", "Beautiful", and "Don't You Know"). And again, this CD is not at all like Triplefastaction, if you know who they are. But Kevin Tihista makes a good CD on his own. I gave the album 3 stars, but really it deserves 3.5. This is a very different blend of songwriting and music; some of the most original to come out of the 00's. Whether you're looking for Elliott Smith [vs] Wilco would-bes, Scott Lucas appearances, or just good music; then Don't Breathe A Word is for you. Kevin Tihista's Red Terror is intriguing and noteworthy because of its variations in slow music, though it's not as good as TFA's Broadcaster or Cattlemen Don't (as far as rock & roll goes). Absolutely look into this, but do so carefully."