Side F/X offers a knock-out punch with varied ‘Contradictions’
Reviewed by Alison Murphy
Side F/X/Contradictions
Side F/X is not a blues band; however, bluesy riffs abound as on “Her Escape” and “The Way You Look at Me.” Side F/X is not a reggae group; nevertheless, you can hear reggae rhythms in “My Hero.” Side F/X is not country, but there’s enough twang on “Life’s Mystery” to interest Nashville suits. Contradictions, then? Side F/X are full of them. And, to put it bluntly, thank them for injecting some originality and rebellious style-busting on their new album.
Vocalist Kim Cameron avoids the cliches of a woman leading a rock & roll band. In the post-emo underground landscape, you’d expect her to be belting distortion-washed anguish in our ears to prove how tough she was. But that’s not the case. Instead, Cameron is incredibly versatile, opting for Martha Davis-ish melancholia on “Shattered,” Norah Jones-esque soulfulness on “Come a Little Closer,” and Karen Carpenter-like fragility on “Life’s Mystery.” Although Cameron has a commanding presence, she doesn’t eclipse the electric charge of her fellow musicians as scorching guitars rip through “Won’t Break Down” and “The Way You Look at Me” and pulsating bass gives “Scattered” a knock-out punch to the chin.
