Search - Kyo :: 300 Lesions

French rock gets a bad rap

sand-da-man | Chicago, IL United States | 05/15/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Like another one of the reviewers, I heard bits of "Contact" in a promo on TV during my last trip to Paris. Unfamiliar with KYO, the next day I stopped at the Virgin Megastore (located conveniently in the Louvre) to sample more of the tracks from "300 lesions." Although I wasn't knocked off my feet, I thought the CD deserved more of my time, and, fearing that it wouldn't be available when I returned to the States, I purchased it before I left France. Now, after having more than a few hours to listen to this album, my impression is that there seems little doubt that it has been professionally produced with some slick segues and catchy chorus hooks. Yet, there is still enough fresh material here that make it an original and entertaining effort. "Contact" is perhaps the best song, with an emphatic guitar riff intro; the other rockers, "Respire" which has a driving tempo, "Sad Day," and "Qui Je Suis," provide similar high-energy fare. The other tracks are not as compelling, but strong vocals and clever lyrics carry the day. If nothing else, this CD is an example that jazz is not the only type of music coming out of France these days that can pass muster. KYO is a quartet that is capable of creating an exciting, contemporary sound, and one well worth experiencing, conventional wisdom about French rock notwithstanding.



Of note, on my departure shuttle ride to Charles DeGaulle airport, the driver asked me why it is that French radio and TV play and chart the music of artists from around the world in a variety of languages, while American pop radio limits its play selections almost exclusively to US and British releases in English. I didn't have a satisfactory answer."

Decent followup to an even better predecessor

Ryan E. Suskey | Pennsylvania, USA | 03/26/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This long awaited album was actually kind of a dissapointment for me. I heard the first track "Contact" when I was in Paris, and was eager to hear the rest of the album, having procured a copy early upon returning to The States, I was kind of upset to find little of the variety I loved in the first album. Some of the songs even use the exact same lead ins and lead outs. I still enjoy listening to the album, and wouldn't try to stop anyone from purchasing it, but I still hold that Kyo was a much better album overall."

Forget popular opinion...300 Lesions is a fabulous follow-up

Eve Nevarre | Portland, OR United States | 05/26/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The popular opinion out there seems to be that this album does not live up to the first. I disagree. Kyo's sophmore release may not be brilliant but it is a good album and deserves a thoughtful listen. I, personally, love this album. It is dark and emotional, less sugary than the first. The vocals are melancholy and glorious. "Sarah" is the popular single release and is a fine song, but when I heard "Dans Ma Chair" I was blown away by it. The guitar intro is reminiscent of Smashing Pumpkins crossed with Bush's "Greedy Fly". Another notable track is "L'Enfer". I confess, my understanding of French is minimal so I cannot comment on the lyrical value of the music but the sound intrigues me and this is presently one of my favorite albums. The bonus DVD on the album is extremely dark, a bit disturbing, but somehow beautiful as well."