By David Thomas
July 13, 2004
Dave goes hardcore on your ass
I dedicate this column to all the people that wrote me such eloquent fan
mail for my review of the BEASTIE BOYS' album a few weeks back. I have no
clue what is going on in music, quite obviously. So I'm going to spend a few
minutes discussing the hardest stuff on my desk.
EIGHTEEN VISIONS, Obsession (Trustkill Records)
Undoubtedly the best chance at a recent heavy metal band to go mainstream is
EIGHTEEN VISIONS. Second track "I Let Go" has that arena-rock guitar riff
every one-off nu-metal band has used since the days of KORN but singer James
Hart's emo-meets Scott Weiland vocals rise over the dirge and brighten the
song to a safer more accessible realm. It's a sure fire single and something
I wouldn't turn the station from if it came on the radio. That says a lot
since most alt-rock stations aren't even worth the time of checking in on
during the morning commute.
And if there was any question on the Weiland comparisons the next song,
"Crushed," clears up any doubt. But the backbone of the songs, and much of
the album, has a hardcore drumbeat and classic metal guitar noodling. This
new breed of "hardcore" bands is really revitalizing the metal genre. And it
's not a bad thing. Bands like KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, AVENGED SEVENFOLD &
SHADOWS FALL do a tremendous job of bringing the style to a new generation
that is sick of emo and eager for aggressive music. EIGHTEEN VISIONS just
has the rock and roll glitz of GUNS N' ROSES and STONE TEMPLE PILOTS that
the others don't want a piece of.
Finishing out the trio of infectious songs, track four, "This Time" brings
in more of the traditional screaming that is common among all these bands
but counteracts it with grand rock n roll back-up vocals and straightforward
singing. The album isn't just radio-hits, "Bleed By Yourself," though. There
are heavier tunes like the title track and even ballads like "I Should Tell
You." These diversions make Obsession a well-rounded disc any metal
head or hard rock fan can enjoy.
FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND, Casually Dressed & Deep In Conversation (Ferret
Records)
FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND is the second type of new hardcore band on the scene.
While those like EIGHTEEN VISIONS meld punk with metal, others fall bank on
indie rock and emo as the backdrop for their hard-driving angst. On
Casually Dressed & Deep in Conversation these two styles clash in a
much less seemless style than what EIGHTEEN VISIONS is attempting on
Obsession.
It clearly is the difference in two sub-genres and both are extremely
popular. And it doesn't mean FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND isn't any good. There are
lot sof worthy moments on this long-titled disc. "Bullet Theory" is one of
the more cohesive tracks that mixes hoarse screams with smoothly sung
choruses. But I think it will be much harder for the boys in FUNERAL FOR A
FRIEND hitting the mass airwaves. The group will build their following at
all-ages shows across the country.
"Escape Artists Never Die" is a more melodic track that has quickly become
my favorite. I don't know if it's because the sound reminds me of one of my
favorite departed bands, FURTHER SEEMS FOREVER, or just because it's a sold
track that has some power and melody in proper doses. The only problem with
the disc is that by midway through songs like "Storytelling" start to blend
with the rest of the tracks. And in the end, while a solid effort, FUNERAL
FOR A FRIEND just doesn't go the extra step to nail down something totally
memorable. I will say the band is definitely better than 90% of the stuff I'
ve been getting lately and I will always give a release or show of theirs a
chance.
Dave reorganizes his desk
Sometimes the discs take control. And like the rats from WILLARD, they have
minds of their own and I lose track of which disc is in which case as I go
from home to car to office. I'm sure this is one of the allures of the iPod
and all the rest of the MP3 players I've never bothered to purchase. I like
my discs. And like many of you that are in my same boat I'm sure you've
discovered some of your favorite discs when finally sorting through the
piles. Long last friends that have been missing for too long.
ONELINEDRAWING, The Volunteers (Jade Tree)
This disc went right into its proper case and then right into the stereo.
With the headphones on you get a real appreciation for what Jonah is doing
on this latest disc. Although I'll admit the first half is far superior to
the second.
THE JEALOUS SOUND, Kill Them With Kindness (Better Looking Records)
Finding this disc is an ongoing task since I try and listen to it frequently
and it's always getting misfiled. I enjoy the big rock sound from such an
aesthetically indie-rock band and the album works in the car as well as at
the office.
ATREYU, The Curse (Victory Records)
The hunt is still on for this disc. It just debuted at #1 on the Billboard
Independent charts and would've been perfect in this hardcore round-up.
Unfortunately it is totally lost. Too bad too since it's one of my favorite
records of the year.
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