The O.C. Supertones have reunited once again this year for their second release of 2002, Hi-Fi Revival, and it is a fairly good release at that.
Hi-Fi Revival starts things off with the upbeat track they used for their new video, Superfly, and then moves on to the slower track "Brand New Thing." The tempo keeps changing like that throughout the rest of the album, from ballads (IE: "Go, Go, Go") to the extremely fast-paced tracks (IE: the amazing "Perfect Love"). That's not necessarily a bad thing though, as they are mixed together rather well and make for an enjoyable experience.
While the album is done quite well both musically and lyrically (the signature Supertones sound is definitely present), I find that their albums just haven't been as good since Strike Back. Sure, they all have been amazing, but nothing can beat their sophomore release!
If you are a fan of the Supertones, without a doubt I suggest you buy this album. If you aren't really familiar with the group, consider giving them a listen, they really are a talented bunch of guys.
4.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #99Reviewed by Dan MacIntoshThe new Supertones CD is not Ska, but then again, purists might well question if this Orange County, CA band was ever truly Ska in the first place. If Hi-Fi Revival is any kind of a musical revival at all, it's a reinterpretation of classic horn-drenched '60s soul, colored by modern hip-hop, rock and R&B elements. Not to get too overly historical about it all, but Ska and Reggae was invented by…ReAL Magazine 2002Reviewed by Kevin D. HendricksAfter a few so-so albums searching for that successful post-ska formula the Supertones have finally found it. Hi-Fi Revival is a mix of rock, punk and a softer version of the rap-rock hybrid, with some brass thrown in for good measure. The album is solid and the production is tight. Definitely worth a listen, especially if you haven't liked the Supertones' last fast few albums.The Rebel Base 2002Reviewed by Josh HurstThere is a time and a place for in-your-face obnoxiousness. Pep rallies, for example. Or political campaigns. Or cheesy TV commercials. Unless you're cheering at a football game, running for office, or trying to sell soda, though, the high-energy sonic bubblegum of the Orange County Supertones is moderately amusing, at best. The Supertones' latest record, Hi-Fi Revival, is yet another…The Rebel Base 2002Reviewed by Mark BakerWith a name like Hi-Fi Revival, and songs called "Hold on to Jesus," "Perfect Love," and "Birth of Uncool," the Supertones' fifth LP was looking like a sure fire youth group album before I even heard the first song. Let me say first thing: it is. It looks like the Supertones filled the Christian music mold perfectly with few exceptions on their latest project. But entering into the listening…Similar sounding releases
2003Grand IncredibleG.I.gantic
2001The DingeesThe Crucial Conspiracy
2003The InsyderzSoundtrack to a Revolution
2001BuckBusiness As Usual
2003Elemeno PLove & Disrespect
1999PlankeyeRelocationMore from The O.C. Supertones
1997Supertones Strike Back
1999Chase the Sun
1998At the Movies!
1996Adventures of The O.C. Supertones
2005Faith of a Child
2000Loud and Clear
