npmshah
06/22/09, 11:32 AM
The Sounds- Crossing the Rubicon
Record Label: Original Signal/Universal Records
Release Date: June 2, 2009
In today’s day and age, mentions of a female-fronted band bring up images of either Paramore or Evanescence. Because of those bands’ popularity, it is often hard to break out of the predetermined mold for female-fronted bands (see: Hey Monday and VersaEmerge for the former, Flyleaf for the latter). The Sounds not only do this, but they do it in style on album number three, Crossing the Rubicon.
The album starts off with “No One Sleeps When I’m Awake,” which is defined by a great chorus and a great guitar line. The song is followed by “4 Songs and a Flight,” a bouncy, fun song whose drums and vocal parts provide for a smooth transition to the faster part of the song. The next four songs, though very good, tend to sound generic within the scope of the record. Not to say they are bad, as they most certainly are not, but there is not much to separate them from The Sounds’ back catalog. The only exception is track number five, “Beatbox,” which carries a heavy influence from reggae/hip hop vocally and instrumentally. Unfortunately, while the instruments sound perfect, singer Maja Ivarsson’s attempt at rapping fails. Thankfully, her sung parts, combined with good music and handclaps, save the song. Short interlude “Crossing The Rubicon” is absolutely stunning, with a haunting gang vocals and chilling piano. Following “Crossing The Rubicon,” the record seems to take on new life. In fact, three of the four songs in the post-interlude part of the album are highlights. “Midnight Sun” contains a chilling atmosphere, amazing vocals, and a nice guitar solo. “Lost In Love,” though the most average of the songs on the second half, contains some skillful arrangement marked by a brilliant chant of “oh oh.” “The Only One” is a mid-tempo song that stays strong even as the song picks up. The chilling lyrics in this song are definite highlight as well (“I heard his woman scream as she was begging for trust/ Then turning ghost-like behind the court/a shotgun blast, as new years passed”). The final song on the album is “Home Is Where Your Heart Is,” and it is one of the album’s best. It has a great intro, nostalgic lyrics, an amazing refrain, and shows some brilliant arena potential. This song makes for an amazing closer not just to an album, but to a live show as well.
Overall, this is a strong effort from The Sounds. The group shows some great potential for good arena anthems, though it seems that talent has not been fully tapped as of yet. The only complaint is the production, which makes the record sound too “clean” as a whole, occasionally to the point where a barrier becomes erected between the listener and the music. However, I eagerly await new stuff from this band, and seeing as this is my first album from this group, I look forward to exploring their back catalog.
No Doubt, Kings of Leon, good, solid alternative
http://www.myspace.com/thesounds
Record Label: Original Signal/Universal Records
Release Date: June 2, 2009
In today’s day and age, mentions of a female-fronted band bring up images of either Paramore or Evanescence. Because of those bands’ popularity, it is often hard to break out of the predetermined mold for female-fronted bands (see: Hey Monday and VersaEmerge for the former, Flyleaf for the latter). The Sounds not only do this, but they do it in style on album number three, Crossing the Rubicon.
The album starts off with “No One Sleeps When I’m Awake,” which is defined by a great chorus and a great guitar line. The song is followed by “4 Songs and a Flight,” a bouncy, fun song whose drums and vocal parts provide for a smooth transition to the faster part of the song. The next four songs, though very good, tend to sound generic within the scope of the record. Not to say they are bad, as they most certainly are not, but there is not much to separate them from The Sounds’ back catalog. The only exception is track number five, “Beatbox,” which carries a heavy influence from reggae/hip hop vocally and instrumentally. Unfortunately, while the instruments sound perfect, singer Maja Ivarsson’s attempt at rapping fails. Thankfully, her sung parts, combined with good music and handclaps, save the song. Short interlude “Crossing The Rubicon” is absolutely stunning, with a haunting gang vocals and chilling piano. Following “Crossing The Rubicon,” the record seems to take on new life. In fact, three of the four songs in the post-interlude part of the album are highlights. “Midnight Sun” contains a chilling atmosphere, amazing vocals, and a nice guitar solo. “Lost In Love,” though the most average of the songs on the second half, contains some skillful arrangement marked by a brilliant chant of “oh oh.” “The Only One” is a mid-tempo song that stays strong even as the song picks up. The chilling lyrics in this song are definite highlight as well (“I heard his woman scream as she was begging for trust/ Then turning ghost-like behind the court/a shotgun blast, as new years passed”). The final song on the album is “Home Is Where Your Heart Is,” and it is one of the album’s best. It has a great intro, nostalgic lyrics, an amazing refrain, and shows some brilliant arena potential. This song makes for an amazing closer not just to an album, but to a live show as well.
Overall, this is a strong effort from The Sounds. The group shows some great potential for good arena anthems, though it seems that talent has not been fully tapped as of yet. The only complaint is the production, which makes the record sound too “clean” as a whole, occasionally to the point where a barrier becomes erected between the listener and the music. However, I eagerly await new stuff from this band, and seeing as this is my first album from this group, I look forward to exploring their back catalog.
No Doubt, Kings of Leon, good, solid alternative
http://www.myspace.com/thesounds