Let's start with the problems, and work back from there.
One, on 'Atmosphere', Hal Marabel's emphatic production accentuates all the key melodic moments to the point of heavy handedness. Two, his focus on creating a solid sonic punch has - to some extent at least - squeezed life out of the music.
On outstandingly well written songs like 'The Heat Of The Night' and 'Words Are Not Enough', we know we should be moved, but we aren't.
We can appreciate how the songs are put together. The focused, melodic verse, the anticipatory bridge, the vertiginous chorus, triumphantly wielding a massive hook, all interlocking to create an adrenalin pumping listening experience. But curiously, they don't.
Instead, they have you diving for cover, searching vainly for something less intense,
waving a white flag, praying that the music doesn't pummel you into submission.
 
The real disappointment is the fact this hides some great, really well written songs, that in the hands of a producer with a lighter touch, someone from the less-is-more school, would have turned this album into January's contender for Album of 2011 award (if there was one. There should be.)
Shame.

Style: melodic Rock

Rating: 5/10

Posted by Brian - Friday, January 14, 2011



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