When
Underwhelmed run through a hall of mirrors, they glimpse distorted reflections of Nickelback, 7 Mary 3,
3 Doors Down or any other band with a number in their name, looking back at them.
Thus their brand of contemporary rock, as demonstrated on 'Reveal' is shaped in that image.
But the truth is this : the band's DNA is deeply imprinted with spangly, jangly rock, laced together with memorable melodies and a tortured worldview.
Naturally, with commercial intent, Thom Hazaert's production is informed by fashion and is undeniably heavy, with big, polished guitars overemphasizing each chorus or hook for the benefit of radio.
As with the aforementioned bands, this often results in a ridiculously macho sound, with synthetic testosterone flowing freely, keeping vocals and guitars down in the lower registers.
When it doesn't work, at best it sounds generic, at worst it sounds clichéd and bland.
But annoyingly, when it does works, it works like a dream. Perhaps because on these occasions, knowingly or not, Hazaert allows the subversive sounds of throwbacks like The Smashing Pumpkins and REM bleed through, along with Britrock bands like The Verve and The Stone Roses.
'Freak (Like Me)' opens the album and our ears to the band's self lacerating lyrics, though these never sound quite convincing, but the music, the production and the emphatic hook make it a strong enough opener.
The jangling electronica that sits just under the front-of-house sound is an absolute stroke of genius, tending to give the band a distinctive identity, albeit one that's pieced together from several sources. But aren't they all?
The tracks that follow immediately,
'Angel' and
'Never Again' are cut and shaped from the same template, with the latter's darker edged, wider screened sound giving it a better shot at stardom.
That said, it's the title track
'Reveal' and standout
'With You' that make the band contenders, now and in the future.
The production on both tracks may have succumbed to contemporary rock chart populism, but in both cases there's an undertow of musical melancholy that fastens the lyrics to a sense of emotional truth.
Whether they follow the right signposts remains to be seen.
Written by
Brian Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Show all reviews by BrianRatingsBrian: 6.5/10Members: No members have rated this album yet.
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