Sound Check

Red rock

Weezer stay a step ahead

Weezer
Weezer (The Red Album)
Universal

Weezer were one of the most successful alternative rock bands of the �90s. Now they�re back with their sixth album. It is their third self-titled album, completing a trio of records with primary-coloured covers.

�The Red Album� delivers the band�s trademark combination of crushing power chords and ironic, self-ridiculing lyrics.

The opening track is a catchy rock tune called �Troublemaker.� This is followed by the irresistible first single, �Pork and Beans.�

Singer-songwriter Rivers Cumo remains the star on this album. However, the whole band are clearly moving into a new phase of musical development.

�Cold Dark World,� a collaboration between Rivers and bassist Scott Shriner, opens with spacey synthesisers. Guitarists Brian Bell and Pat Wilson contribute the songs �Automatic� and �Thought I Knew.�

�The Angel and One,� is a power-pop ballad that concludes the album, and may be the finest moment on the whole record.

This album brings forward everything Weezer do best. It�s packed with catchy hooks and funny, emotive lyrics. It�s a potent mix that keeps the band one step ahead of the indie rock pack. � TB

	ironic (adj): showing that you really mean the opposite of what you are saying ridicule (v): to make somebody look silly by laughing at them in an unkind way irresistible (adj): so attractive that you feel you must have it emotive (adj): causing people to feel strong emotions potent (adj): having a strong effect on your body or mind