Jon contributes an interesting short blurb to this CD where he admits some of the fourteen tracks on here don't stand the test of time. As the title suggests they are songs written and recorded by Jon as demos in search for the perfect pop song. This content was done in the 80s and clearly sounds like it. It is a fascinating insight into the prolific Anderson; then again even some of his naff misses are better than much of what constituted music in the 80s. Not essential but fascinating nonetheless.
Of Hearts and Shadows: Touching Base with a Chainsaw
I love the title of this CD; unfortunately the contents not so much. This is prime 100% screamo metal. The singer just screams in that sub-death metal way of doing things which some people seem to like, but I find a wee bit dull. This music smacks of "music to piss your parents off" and nothing much else. Then again, the lead singer Bixby can actually sing when he wants to. The band isn’t exactly untalented either; there is talent there to be sure. If you are over 20 this CD will bore you stiff, but I am sure it's going to sell oodles to the rebellious youth of the land.
On that screamed note I am away to hit the next lot of my pile. Fans of pretty frock metal, like me, will want to be around for the next instalment as I have the new Nightwish, Visions of Atlantis, and Epica to review. I was going to review them this week, but I am enjoying them too much; including the even less than perfect new Nightwish. As always stay safe and rocking as we wind our way into another autumn.
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