Spoken has been around since 1997 playing rapcore for the masses. Of course, back then rapcore had not reached it's stage of popularity that it's seen (and since has passed). Now, four albums (not including the one greatest hits cd) into the game they've done and gone a switcheroo on us.

The most notable difference is the lack of rapping. In it's place is some (*gasp*) singing ala Thursday and some screaming akin to recent Blindside. So basically what we've got is some run-of-the-mill screamo.

The cd title, "A Moment of Imperfect Clarity" is, I believe, a nod to EDL (Every Day Life), who was one of the ground breaking rapcore bands. They released a cd titled "Moment of Clarity", which is, in my opinion, one of the masterpieces of the genre.

There is, however, one thing about this cd that makes me put it in the cd player. The choruses are huge. They sing and demond that you sing with them and you won't forget them because they're so darn catchy. And they often utilize two vocalists, so you get to pick which part to sing along with. (That may not seem like a big deal to you, but when some parts are to high for me, and others too low, I get to pick and choose!)

The instrumentation tends to be simple, but it fits the vocals, for the most part. (Though sometimes, especially in the verses, nothing can save the vocals.) The production is top notch. The tones are good. It's mixed beautifully. And so forth.

Of course, some songs are just plain terrible. Track 6, the attempt to be "mellow", makes me cringe each time I hear it. What is it with these screamo bands all feeling the need to do at least one "mellow" song? And why to all those mellow screamo (from hence forth dubbed "screamello") songs all sound the same?

Other tracks sputter and fail. Usually the ones without a dynamic chorus. Some of the tracks are just bad impressions of other, better bands of the genre. But if you enjoy those Thursday or Blindside bands, check it out. Maybe you will like it. Just listen before you buy.

peace.