Search - Kevin Tihista's Red Terror, Red Terror :: Judo

Judo kicks the competition!

Thornton F. Cole | Chicago or an airport near you | 05/23/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Well, here it is May, and I already know what the album of the year is---"Judo" from Kevin Tihista's Red Terror. Much like the first offering, 2001's "Don't Breathe a Word", this album offers song after song of introspective self-doubt and sinister thoughts ensconced in velvety pop orchestration. The real kicker is that Kevin's masterful songwriting skills are stepped up a notch. The listener cannot help but feel like they are listening to a modern day John Lennon/Brian Wilson/Burt Bacharach catalog. From the opening strains of "Back to Budapest" one feels they are on a journey through an epic album. "You're Making Other Plans" sounds like a song the Monkees would kill to have added to their discography---sugary sweet harmonies and keyboards coupled with groovy 60's drums. "Come on Now" with its Moby-like beat only gets better when Kevin unleashes his catchy lyrics. "Hymn" is to soft music what Jeff Buckley's version of "Hallelujah" was---an instant classic destined for the soundtrack for the next feel good movie of the summer. Seriously, Kevin Tihista might just be the saviour that pop music is looking for. This album should certainly be on everyone's "Top 10 Deserted Island" list. Wow."

Pop won't get any better than this

pumpkin.ronny@skynet.be | Leuven, Belgium | 08/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Last call for all Elliott Smith fans...please check this album out. If you are into Smith's brilliant "Either/or", surely you will like Kevin Tihista. His ballads are intense & breathtaking. Kevin Tihista is gifted with a warm, gentle voice and his songwriting is brilliant.
His first album " Don't breathe a word" was already a triumph but this one is even richer.
Highlights are the beautiful lovesongs " Love plays a dirty game", the heavenly "Hymn" and the haunting " You will be back some day". Tihista will be huge in the near future...that's for sure (funny, that's also the name of the last song on this album)...It's just a matter of time. Wanna bet ??"