This is band I had heard a few times. Specializing in a bit of a mixture of Fall Out Boy and Britain's Busted!, this lot do the slightly angsty teenage rock so adored by certain demographics in the US. There is nothing horrid on here and its clear why they have hits. It's all very catchy pop that goes in one ear and comes out the other. Probably not what most of you, my dear readers, would volunteer for your CD player. However there is nothing on here that would cause you to crash your car trying to change the radio channel. A Japan only track and web only release are included here to interest the fans.
The Dreamscapes Project: Pity in a Heartbeat
I mentioned the word eclectic in my intro to this column and this is the audio version. It's one of those CDs that go all over the place from hip-hop (ugh) to the rock of bands like They Might Be Giants. It can be to schizo at times and does not flow as well as a CD should. Then again that might be the entire point of this CD. Oh yes and just to make things more interesting there is a cello thrown in for good measure. If you are adventurous, but like the music eminently listenable, then this just might be good for your next purchase. It's not one that will necessarily grab you from the get go but stick with it.
Kingdom of Sorrow: s/t
Bunch of modern metallers, several from the more screamo end of things, get together to produce a proper heavy metal album with hints of Crowbar and Down. Quite a pleasant surprise it has to be said. I didn't know what to expect when I saw members of Hatebreed and Unearth involved. Then again Down's Kirk Windstein is on lead guitar/vocals while the other guitars are courtesy of an ex-BLS man.
Highlights are not necessary as there are no duffers on here. Its heavy and brutal but approachable. KoS very well could be the next new force in heavy metal. Grown up metal that will equally attract the NWOAHM and the old schoolers. I am sure the band will go down a storm on the live festival circuit. I will be back to this CD in future that is for sure.
Well that should keep you happy, whatever you are into, for the next week or so. As always check out the live scene near you, stay safe and stay rocking.
Article comments
1 - Chris Beaumont
I really want to check out the Kingdom of Sorrow release, the one song I heard was quite good, although I cannot remember the title....