Queensrÿche have created a quite interesting album with Tribe. It is not a return to their earlier sound, I would rather say it's an evolution of the sound of their last two albums, but with a good amount of that distinct atmosphere that pervaded Promised land. The music in many of the songs is quite laid back, underlining the atmosphere. This is definitely a little step back in the right direction, but by no means comparable to any of the releases prior to Hear in the now frontier.
Some of my complaints are that many songs feel a little too simple and the production is very raw and muddy. Yet the album has a feel that draws me to it and makes me want to hear it again and again. Of course Geoff Tate's voice is a big part of that, but the album also has this kind of dreamy atmosphere to it that appeals to me. When I look at this album on its own and don't compare it to past releases, I find that it can indeed stand on its own and overall this is a good release that still grows after many listens.
The best thing about Tribe is the lyrics. They are very poetic, true and inspiring (
Rythm of hope and
The art of life come to mind). While reading them I felt a strong connection and recognised many of the things that Geoff Tate is saying. A red line runs through the lyrics from start to end and I found the very personal concept of the album working well. I can only wonder why the lyrics weren't included in the booklet, but visit the
official website to find them. It's worth it. The lyrics of the closing song
Doin' fine are bound to get you in a good mood.
Based on the lyrics alone this one would get a very high grade, but unfortunately the music drags the album down.
Especially
Desert Dance and the title track are not among my favourites. While
Blood has nice little guitar melody backing Tate's voice and the powerful war related lyrics, this song has a tendency to run in circles and never really gets off the ground.
My favourites include the soft
Rythm of hope, which has a beautiful melody and a strong message.
Losing myself has a great vibe and while listening to it, I can imagine myself on a bike, riding through the dusty roads of some desert.
Falling behind has a strong chorus and
The great divide shows another great vocal performance by Geoff Tate. The dreamy atmosphere of
The art of life is really captivating too. Album opener
Open and closer
Doin' fine work well with the concept and both are good songs.
You may think that you're going to fall asleep the first few times you hear Tribe, but give it time and the album may grow on you. It is still growing on me... (The album, that is)
Written by
Steen Friday, August 8, 2003
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