I've always felt that No Doubt had potential that was never fully milked. They were certainly on the right track with "Tragic Kingdom" with the Missing Persons hiccups of Gwen Stefani and those juicy 1981 synth lines. Somebody in the band started listening to way too much R&B on the way and the nostalgic rush of the group hit a roadblock, crashing into insignificance.
THE KIMBERLEY TRIP picks up where No Doubt left off on "Tragic Kingdom," producing a joyous and teeth-bashingly hilarious new wave homage on "Catastrophic Behavior." It's not that the band is consciously trying to ape No Doubt; rather, it's a case of shared influences, and the early '80s as symbolized by Blondie, the Waitresses, and Bow Wow Wow are all over this summer blast of a record.
While it has a heavier bottom and cleaner production than much of what was produced during the '80s, it's in the same sunglasses-at-night spirit. Choice picks: "Freaky Things," "Supergloo," "Geek School," and the emo/nu metal putdown "Suck Knob," which is lip-rippingly funny. Sweet vocals over salty lyrics, and top-of-the-line musicianship throughout.
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The music rocks without being deafening or chaotic, pop without being too sugar-smacked. My roommate and fellow crit Steve is trying to snag the CD from me hands at the moment. Buy a copy, Steve. And so should YOU. Get 'em while you can at: http://www.thekimberlytrip.net/home.html.
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