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Tiny Mix Tapes

Trial is as rhythmically acerbic and propulsive as the last couple of French Kicks offerings, but the pace is a little slower and more deliberate, the songwriting more cohesive, reflective, and mature.

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Neumu.net

With this album, French Kicks have taken a sizeable leap forward, taking the right bits and pieces from half a century of rock 'n' roll to make something new and, yes, unique.

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The Onion (A.V. Club)

As for its place in the larger new rock movement, The Trial Of The Century's forward motion is on a par with The Walkmen's leap from the gray clang of its debut to the committed window-rattling of this year's Bows + Arrows.

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Drowned In Sound

Lavished with luscious keys and gently chiming guitars throughout, ‘The Trial Of The Century’ tickles and teases the listener, offering subtle hooks that take time to appreciate.

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New Musical Express

Has them concealing Duran Duran, Tears For Fears, Wire and U2 under a thick pea-soup of organ and rolling bass. [30 Oct 2004, p.65]

Mojo

With elements of synth-pop, new wave and blue-eyed soul distilled into a succession of heart-beating hits, Trial Of The Century is a record that gets better with each listen. [Dec 2004, p.99]

cokemachineglow

Far more unabashedly romantic than One Time Bells, the Kicks have let go of any lingering desire to be a rock band and are warmly embracing new wave style pop a la the Cars or New Order or Elvis Costello.

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Filter

While there are a few slow points on The Trial Of The Century... the album is leaps and bounds away from One Time Bells, production and songwriting-wise. [#10, p.96]

Entertainment Weekly

A bit retro, for sure, but the Reagan-era references feel more fond than forced. [25 Jun 2004, p.165]

All Music Guide

Like a less electronic version of the Postal Service, on The Trial of the Century the band invokes nostalgia for that decade but puts it in a different context.

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Magnet

This newly minted prissiness... gives the twinkly keyboard and tangled guitar of "Oh Fine" and the mock-pomp circumstance of "Was It A Crime" a starry-eyed sensuality. [#64, p.92]

Under The Radar

The edges have been softened since their debut... but the brainy, melodic hooks are still here. [#7]

Q Magazine

Geographically, one would here have to imagine a borough between The Stills and The Walkmen. [Nov 2004, p.120]

Rolling Stone

As with most cool New York Bands, the lyrics matter way less than the vibe. [24 Jun 2004, p.175]

Alternative Press

Ultimately unremarkable. [Jul 2004, p.134]

Pitchfork

Essentially, Trial is just one semi-interesting idea (retro-tinged, Smiths-influenced, synth-friendly rock) repeated 11 times-- and no matter how able or committed the French Kicks may be to that lone notion, their conviction alone can't make their sophomore record feel any less tedious.

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Trouser Press

The French Kicks have changed dramatically and not always for the better.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this album is 9.5 (out of 10) based on 4 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Aaron Q gave it a9:
Definately the most underrated album of 2004. "One More Time" was the song of the year. The most perfect straightforward pop album of the past few years.

Davis W gave it a9:
Probably the most underrated album of 2004 from one of the most underrated bands around today. Simply brilliant.

Jody gave it a10:
'Trial of the century' is one amazing song after another. Vocalist Nick Stumpf sings with conviction, letting his unique voice complement the songs, not overpower or distract you from the wonderful melodies and lyrics. The songs are much stronger here than on 'One time Bells'. They soften their sound, using more synthesisers and electronic beats, but still keeping the chunky guitar riffs. This album flows beautifully from begining to end, and you will never tire. They are more experimental on their second effort, and I thank them for it. Their sound is truly magical.

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Trial Of The Century

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