Kick Up the Fire, and Let the Flames Break Loose
The Cooper Temple Clause · 2003
60 min · 20 tracks · alternative rock
A sonic tapestry woven from gritty guitars, electronic elements, and introspective lyrics that echo the anxieties of early 2000s youth culture.
Top tracks — play these first
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Promises Promises — This track encapsulates the album's energetic blend of catchy hooks and layered instrumentals, serving as a declaration of youthful disillusionment.
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Into My Arms — A standout ballad that contrasts with the album's overall energy, showcasing emotional depth through its haunting melodies and poignant lyrics.
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Talking to a Brick Wall — This track exemplifies the band's signature sound with its driving rhythms and sharp commentary on communication breakdowns in relationships.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends rock and electronic sounds with introspective lyrics, but lacks strong cohesion in its running order.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with driving rhythms, while the second half shifts to more introspective and slower pieces.
- Several tracks incorporate electronic elements alongside traditional rock instrumentation, creating a layered sound.
- The lyrics often reflect themes of disillusionment and anxiety, matching the sonic intensity of the music.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- cathartic release through intensity
- introspective reflections on youth
- late-night contemplative listening
- frantic energy in transitions
- immersive experience with layered sounds
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification tracks
- prefer straightforward, catchy melodies
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in January 2003, Kick Up the Fire, and Let the Flames Break Loose was The Cooper Temple Clause's sophomore album, following their debut, See This Through and Leave. At this point, the band was navigating their growing popularity and refining their sound, influenced by the alternative rock landscape of the time.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Biffy Clyro· The Mars Volta· Enter Shikari
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Into My Arms
The lyrics shift from hopefulness to despair as they reflect a longing for connection amid feelings of isolation.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 The Same Mistakes 4:52
- 2 Promises Promises 3:25
- 3 New Toys 5:26
- 4 Talking to a Brick Wall 5:59
- 5 Into My Arms 6:13
- 6 Blind Pilots 4:01
- 7 A.I.M. 4:58
- 8 Music Box 6:24
- 9 In Your Prime 2:17
- 10 Written Apology 10:10
Disc 2
- 1 Promises Promises 3:27
- 2 Making of Promises Promises Video
- 3 Lets Kill Music
- 4 Film-Maker 3:03
- 5 Been Training Dogs
- 6 Who Needs Enemies?
- 7 Promises Promises (live)
- 8 Blind Pilots (live)
- 9 The Same Mistakes (live)
- 10 A.I.M. (live)
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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