Kelly and the Kellygirls
We Love You But Not as Much as We Love Ourselves
SELF-RELEASEDWe Love You But Not as Much as We Love Ourselves
There’s a new R. Kelly on the music scene, and this one isn’t “Trapped in the Closet.” In fact, R. Kelly Clipperton is pretty much bursting out of it as the brash and glam front man of the Canadian art-house rock band Kelly and the Kellygirls. On the Girls’ sophomore release, We Love You But Not as Much as We Love Ourselves, Clipperton’s monotone baritone spars with the band’s punchy alterna-pop–jazz grooves and sexy sax riffs (courtesy of standout talent Shane MacKinnon). Though the melding of the distinct musical and vocal styles doesn’t always land a knockout punch, the band packs a wallop on the single “Napoleon,” which is short on predictability and big on rock and roll attitude and originality. Imagine if Peter Murphy replaced Gwen Stefani during No Doubt’s early ska-tinged years and you’ll have an idea of what’s in store on We Love You. And if that combo sounds good to you, this is the Love you’re looking for. David Ciminelli
