From Kerrang! no.1100 (March 25 2006):
BRISTOL QUARTET SHINE ON ALBUM TWO.
The functions of the human brain's left hemisphere include logic, rationality
and objectivity. One major factor scientists have clearly overlooked in this
Bristol-based foursome's case is the ability to harness the power of the riff.
With a capital R. Fusing Helmet's bludgeoning power to Kerbdog's sense of driving melody, Left Side Brain deliver an impressively strong, no-nonsense follow-up to their 2004 debut 'Equal And Opposite'.
From the one-two attack of 'At Your Own Risk' and 'Exit Route', to the controlled aggression of 'Save Yourself' - featuring guest vocals from Reuben's Jamie Lenman - 'Action Potential' has hook-filled anthems in abundance. Left Side Brain prove themselves to be one of the brightest lights in British rock. Go to the light.
KKKK (4/5)
Rock Sound no.83 (April 2006):
While the Americans have always utilised cameo appearances by friends in high places to boost their appeal, our ever-modest Brit bands have preferred to make it on their own steam. Maybe it's a sign of growing confidence in the significance of UK bands, but nonetheless LSB made a wise move in employing Reuben's Jamie Lenman on 'Save Yourself', as he's helped create an undisputed hard rock highlight on this, their second album. The Bristol-based band haven't enjoyed the same success as Reuben so far, but it's surely only a matter of time. Combining driving rock of the Helmet variety with the melodic sensibilities that made early Foo Fighters so great, their songs are a very worth addition to the Brit-rock arsenal. 8/10
From Classic Rock no.91 (April 2006):
A THINKING MAN'S MODERN ROCK BAND...
As the side of the brain concerned with organisation, thought and logic, it's
appropriate that Left Side Brain's music resembles some kind of winning mathematical formula. Combining the taut, muscular riffs of Therapy?, the melodic suss of Foo Fighters, the brute force of Helmet and the emo edginess of Funeral For A Friend, these Bristol-based boys have fashioned an album that sounds both familiar and fresh. Building on the promise of their 2004 debut, Equal And Opposite, Action Potential reveals Left Side Brain to have not only a patent grasp of basic rock dynamics but also the ability to stretch out and flex their technical muscles - particularly on the closing nine-minute instrumental Gas Giant. 8/10
Kerrang! no.1030 November 2004:
ANGLO-WELSH PUNKS OFFER STINGING FULL-LENGTH DEBUT
The kind of band that gives you a bit of hope for the UK underground scene,
Left Side Brain play a low slung and deliciously metallic brand of post-punk
that sounds like Ash on a Soundgarden bender. For much of this debut, the Bristol-based band get the combination of accessibility and off kilter menace just about right. The likes of 'Clout', 'Uncomfortable' and 'Low Tide' jut with angled melodies, simple but refreshingly heavy riffs, and enough emotional cadences to keep the overloaded emo boat from sinking.
A band who have set out with no greater intent than to make riotous noise with tunes attached, Left Side Brain can consider this mission accomplished.KKKK (4/5)
From Metal Hammer no.134 Xmas 2004:
MORE TASTY WELSH SCREAMO
What is it with the Welsh and epic, tuneful emo? Whatever it is, we're
not complaining. This album builds skilfully on the foundations this four piece
laid with their Surface Tension EP earlier this year. Now living in Bristol, Cymru boys G (guitars/vocals) and Ryan (drums) along with slightly newer Anglo members Oli (guitars/vocals) and Rich (bass/vocals) have turned in an assured and memorable debut which starts sounding like a contender for emo album of the year even after a few listens. Opener and EP track 'Figures' has the lush and intense feeling of Troublegum-era Therapy? But excellent production courtesy of Neal Calderwood (who coincidentally has worked with Andy Cairns too) boosts this to even more stratospheric levels.
LSB's signature sound is the judicious and sparing use of tight three part harmonies which, when unleashed, are full of plaintive yearning. Newer material like 'Clout' employs guitar riffs that are more angular than a cupboard full of set squares. Strangely enough the band are at their weakest when they are sounding closest to Funeral For A Friend and Lostprophets wearing their hearts on their sleeves on tracks like 'Fallout' (and they could do with losing the guitar solo). But to be honest, if this is the only criticism we can lay at their door (and it is), then this band could be the ones to burst through the cockpit door of the top twenty next year brandishing Stanley Knives. Mainly they are stamping down on the pedal and the more they do, the less they sound like their Pontypridd neighbours.
'Uncomfortable' comes on like The Wildhearts, Husker Du and Helmet all rammed into a blender and formed into a diabolically tasty but unhealthy rawk smoothie. And there's a secret track which Led Zeps all the way to fuck and back. Superb. 8/10
Big Cheese November 2004:
You might have seen this band's video for the excellent Fallout on Scuzz recently. It had samples from the old protect and survive films at the beginning? One of them was wearing a really bad shirt? Anyhoo, that's irrelevant (although it was a bad shirt!), but if you caught the video you may well have found the song sticking in your head, I certainly did and I was glad when this arrived for me to review.
All eleven songs by the Anglo/Welsh foursome sound instantly familiar without ever really ripping off anyone in particular. The storming intro 'Figures' is a beautifully structured smack in the face that forces you to listen, introducing you the tightly structured three vocal harmonies that haunt the rest of the record. The searing triple vocal attack backed by some ripping riffs, strike an almost perfect balance between vocals and the music. Just on the right side of commercial, these lads make some pretty darn good emotive anthems that will stick in your head for days. These are definitely ones to watch. 4/5