Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 16
  2. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. The band members produce huge sounds reminiscent of Primal Scream, Radiohead, and Nine Inch Nails, but when Gautrey opens his mouth -- there's Liam!
  2. Although the Cooper Temple Clause pack plenty of celestial firepower and darkwave ambiance into their six-minute movements, by the time they unveil the epic "Written Apology", the sheer compositional weight is too much for a mortal listener to handle.
  3. Mojo
    40
    The Coopers are adept with lyrics, big on attitude, but often lack that X-factor. [Nov 2003, p.131]
  4. Blender
    40
    Too often... the results sound messy and carry a hint of prog-rock pomposity. [Mar 2004, p.115]
  5. In a mistaken lunge at maturity, the Cooper Temple Clause devote much of Kick Up the Fire to chilled introspection and black-water ambience.
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
  1. PaulF
    Feb 15, 2005
    9
    After hearing the first album I wasn't sure whether to get the follow up. I'm not saying that the first was particularly bad, it After hearing the first album I wasn't sure whether to get the follow up. I'm not saying that the first was particularly bad, it just wasn't that great. However, after hearing so many positives about this one I decided to go get it. Lets just say I'm amazed at how far the Cooper Temple Clause have moved on from See This Through and Leave. Kick up the fire... is so much darker, so much stranger and so much more original. Even if you didn't like their first album, this one is a must own. It's grips you from the fantastic opening track 'The Same Mistakes' to the epic ending of 'Written Apology'. This is alternative rock at its very best and probably one of the greatest most original albums ever released. Full Review »
  2. KenzuK
    Dec 4, 2004
    10
    I've listened to this album since it's 2003 release and I haven't bought a better record after since. It's good. I've listened to this album since it's 2003 release and I haven't bought a better record after since. It's good. It's so bloody good. Compare it to what you want but in my opinion it is nothing else but TCTC. They have created their own sound, (no its not radiohead or oasis or whatever some reviewers are saying) obviously influenced by these reviewers comparisons but these influences have not left footprints in the actual music. This album is why I listen to music and almost nothing goes even near it. Full Review »
  3. RandyL
    May 5, 2004
    9
    Very very impressive, never got to hear their 1st album so this was my first taste of CTC. Intense, innovative and emotional, truly Very very impressive, never got to hear their 1st album so this was my first taste of CTC. Intense, innovative and emotional, truly progressive rock. Full Review »