The Last Goodnight - Poison Kiss (CD)

All Music Guide

Don't let the Mohawk deceive you; the Last Goodnight play deliberate radiofriendly rock that, although delivered with a certain attitude, is far from the fleeting gimmicks of punkpop. These are not your typical threeminute, threechord snippets of rebellion that you might expect after glimpsing the album cover or seeing lead singer Kurtis John's 'do. Rather, Poison Kiss is a combination of Fastball's punchy organ/guitar mixture and Maroon 5's syncopated genius and occasionally dark lyrics. It fires on all cylinders, with a rhythmic tightness and an absolutely golden voice. None of the parts call particular attention to themselves, but the sum is one heck of a record. Their strengths shine brightest on their breakthrough single, "Pictures of You," not to be confused with the Cure's alternative classic of the same name. The lyrics sum up images of life together in relationships, coming together in a madeforradio chorus. "Back Where We Belong" also comes off as catchy but fades slightly wi...th the realization that it could easily be mistaken for Maroon 5's "This Love." In some spots the lyrics shine, like on "Incomplete" "If you didn't want the garden/Why'd you plant the seeds." In others they fall flat the groovy RB beat of "Good Love" wraps up with the superficial lyrics "Let's talk about good, good love." Take it for what it is, a fun spin around the block that leaves a smile on your face. - Jared Johnson, All Music Guide Read more Less