Almost, The - Monster Monster

[Drew Beringer]

The Almost – Monster Monster
Release Date: November 3, 2009
Record Label: Virgin/Tooth & Nail

After being the sole operator of his side project debut Southern Weather, Aaron Gillespie expanded his solo effort into a full band deal, which may explain the increase of variety in The Almost’s second album, Monster Monster.

Monster Monster retains the aggressiveness that Southern Weather possessed while diversifying the tempos and compositions as well. Produced by Aaron Sprinkle, Gillespie’s voice has never sounded stronger. Musically, Monster Monster twists and turns, sometimes severely. In fact, Monster Monster channels Foo Fighters a lot more than it does its scene contemporaries.

The title track kicks off the album with driving, dirty guitar chords and a quick tempo, courtesy of Gillespie, who always manned the drums. Immediately you can hear Gillespie owning the album with his voice. While the nasally delivery may put off some, there is no denying the energy and passion behind it. “Lonely Wheel” has radio potential with its catchy chorus, while “No I Don’t” slows the album down a bit, as it captures some Relient K in its melody. Once again Gillespie’s vocals shine, especially on the chorus.

First single, “Hands,” is incredibly delightful. Hand claps, scant yet piercing piano keys, and gang vocals are the key ingredients in this vibrant rocker. “Young Again” may be the most aggressive song that The Almost has written. The guitar work from Jay Vilardi and Dusty Redmon provide the backbone for this track, while Gillespie gives his most assertive vocals yet.

The classic rock feel of “Summer Summer” and the folksy “Hand Grenade” give Monster Monster some of that diversity the debut was lacking. Some of the later tracks don’t stack up to the first half of the album, but “Get Through” breathes some life back into the album with its quirky, distorted riffs. The vulnerable “Monster” is a beautiful closer. Paced by a simple acoustic chord, it is only fitting that Gillespie’s voice would highlight the final track. Monster Monster proves that Gillespie is not just a capable front man, but quickly turning into one of the best.

Monster Monster is definitely a more complete and finished product than its predecessor, Southern Weather, was. Working with a complete band this time helped in creating the variety heard throughout the album, as each member was able to contribute different ideas to the record. Lyrically, Gillespie’s words are filled with just as much urgency as his vocals, giving the album that emotional punch all pop-rock records need to remain in regular rotation. Granted the album has its flaws, as it alters a bit during the second half. But Monster Monster definitely lives up to its name, as The Almost has created a beast of a pop-rock record.

Track Listing:
1. Monster Monster
2. Lonely Wheel
3. No I Don’t
4. Hands
5. Young Again
6. Summer Summer
7. Hand Grenade
8. Books and Books
9. Souls On Ten
10. Want To
11. Get Through
12. Monster
Produced by: Aaron Sprinkle

The Almost is:
Aaron Gillespie – vocals/drums
Jay Vilardi – guitars
Dusty Redmon – guitars
Alex Aponte – bass

Official Website (http://www.thealmost.com); Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/thealmost); Official AP.net Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/thealmost)

[killerclownbros]

solid review, Gillespie has allround talent
definitely will be checking this one out

[Gregory Robson]

no RIYL?

[BozzBlonde]

I like your reviews because they break down each song. Good review Drew.

[BozzBlonde]

no RIYL?
In the review it says the album has some parts similar to Foo Fighters and Relient K.

[alilbravetoaste]

I feel like I would like these guys more if I saw them live. Not feeling this album really.

[JordanBuell]

its not a bad album. just having trouble pulling myself away from say anything long enough to give it w listen

[Sing-The-Sorrow]

one of those albums you can listen to from beginning to end.... Summer Summer is my fave track.

[trappedintime]

Not feeling this album at all. I'm sorry but good production is no excuse for weak songs... And I'm a huge The Almost fan. It just didn't grab me the way SW did. Maybe it'll grow on me... We'll see.

[honestykills]

this one took more listens for me to really get into. i fell in love with Southern Weather instantly, but i'm liking this one more and more with each spin.

[chillinlikebob]

Looking forward to hearing this. I didn't like Southern Weather all that much, but Gillespie is obviously talented.

[blessthefall89]

nice drew

[_><_]

Decent, but worse than Souther Weather.

[FUCKDIRTYWIPES]

good review, boring cd.

[awakeohsleeper]

Is this album lyrically better than the previous release? I found that album got boring quickly. Not sure if I'll check this out. It sounds better than Southern Weather though so I am slightly tempted. Just can't afford anything at the moment really.

[bluecrunchy]

I will check this out solely because Aaron Sprinkle produced it.

[Young Machetes]

I couldn't get into it at first. I absolutely love this album now.

[Drew Beringer]

no RIYL?
Comes across as more Foo Fighters and Relient K with a just a sprinkle of Petty mixed in.

[rawspinner]

Comes across as more Foo Fighters and Relient K with a just a sprinkle of Petty mixed in.

Alternative Press had an issue with transitions from the more rock songs to the more acoustic country numbers, and said Southern Weather did those transitions better. Is that the case, or how'd you feel about the transitions to the softer songs?

[Drew Beringer]

Does this album have an abundace of explict Christian/ Christ centered lyrics like Southern Weather did? That crap really turns me off
It's a bit more subtle and urgent lyrically from what I've heard, I didn't have a lyric book included with my advance so I am just going by what I can recall.

[amc531]

I'm listening to the album right now and it hasn't caught my attention so far. When I first listened to Southern Weather, it caught on immediately.I loved Southern Weather. Maybe it will catch up to me after a few listens.

[t00latef0rr0ses]

not too bad.

[rawspinner]

Originally Posted by Drew Beringerhttp://images.absolutepunk.net/images/bttn/arrow.gif (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?p=56726642#post56726 642)
Comes across as more Foo Fighters and Relient K with a just a sprinkle of Petty mixed in.


Alternative Press had an issue with transitions from the more rock songs to the more acoustic country numbers, and said Southern Weather did those transitions better. Is that the case, or how'd you feel about the transitions to the softer songs?


http://images.absolutepunk.net/images/misc_new/progress.gifOriginally Posted by Drew Beringerhttp://images.absolutepunk.net/images/bttn/arrow.gif (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?p=56726642#post56726 642)
Comes across as more Foo Fighters and Relient K with a just a sprinkle of Petty mixed in.
To Drew Beringer, cause I think my quoting is not working properly:
Alternative Press had an issue with transitions from the more rock songs to the more acoustic country numbers, and said Southern Weather did those transitions better. Is that the case, or how'd you feel about the transitions to the softer songs?

[Drew Beringer]

Originally Posted by Drew Beringerhttp://images.absolutepunk.net/images/bttn/arrow.gif (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?p=56726642#post56726 642)
Comes across as more Foo Fighters and Relient K with a just a sprinkle of Petty mixed in.


Alternative Press had an issue with transitions from the more rock songs to the more acoustic country numbers, and said Southern Weather did those transitions better. Is that the case, or how'd you feel about the transitions to the softer songs?


http://images.absolutepunk.net/images/misc_new/progress.gifOriginally Posted by Drew Beringerhttp://images.absolutepunk.net/images/bttn/arrow.gif (http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?p=56726642#post56726 642)
Comes across as more Foo Fighters and Relient K with a just a sprinkle of Petty mixed in.
To Drew Beringer, cause I think my quoting is not working properly:
Alternative Press had an issue with transitions from the more rock songs to the more acoustic country numbers, and said Southern Weather did those transitions better. Is that the case, or how'd you feel about the transitions to the softer songs?
I felt the transitions were fine. The transitions were a bit better on SW, and as I stated in my review this album has a few severe turns, but it doesn't ruin the listening experience at all.

[rawspinner]

I felt the transitions were fine. The transitions were a bit better on SW, and as I stated in my review this album has a few severe turns, but it doesn't ruin the listening experience at all.

cool, sry about the crowded post, I didn't know if my quoting was freaking out because after I orginally quoted you the website said no thread was specified, even though when I went back to the page my comment was there.

[heythereimbecca]

good review, havent listened to the full length just some clips but it seems like its going to be amazing.

[HometownHero]

I'll see if I like when I pick this up today. Good review though

[Nick Le]

Good review, I liked what I had heard my first couple listens a lot better than SW. Need to spend more time with it.

[denissuxx]

Listened a few times, found it generally boring. Needz moar plays

[DanielJames]

I'm having trouble getting excited enough to listen to this. I loved the EP they released last month, but I don't find myself going back to it so I'm worried that the same will happen with this record.

[Sic Transit Zeb]

an 80? I'm surprised. I found this to be so boring.

[zubinmoosa]

Great review Drew. i really dug Southern Weather, so this sounds very promising

[Mattylikesfilms]

sounds about right. good job drew

[Yellowcard2006]

Does this album have an abundace of explict Christian/ Christ centered lyrics like Southern Weather did? That crap really turns me off
I agree with you. Jesus ruined 2 tracks on the last album. This time I didn't notice any religious references, which is nice.

I did the whole pre-order thing, and I am glad I did. Great follow-up to SW

[NeededYouMost]

did you mean to say falters instead of alters?
good review, waste of harddrive space album

[Akissforher]

always been a fan of gillespie, definately picking this up

[ManicanParty49]

I think this CD is awesome. Definitely better than Southern Weather...but I don't hear a single that will be quite as big as "Say This Sooner" was.

[drew_vs_shark]

Did anyone else feel like Southern Weather was just a less-inspired, far more boring version of Terminal? That's how it felt to me so I was never much into it. I'll still give this one a listen. Great review.

[ryheeles]

only got a chance to check out the first few tracks, but I'm loving what I've heard so far

[DanielJames]

So when I went to buy the new Say Anything, I saw that this was only $7.99 so I figured why not. I'm actually really glad I bought this. I might be enjoying it more than the new Say Anything. Definitely a huge step-up from the last album.

[threepunchjim]

Did anyone else feel like Southern Weather was just a less-inspired, far more boring version of Terminal? That's how it felt to me so I was never much into it. I'll still give this one a listen. Great review.
Wow, Terminal? Haha haven't heard that name in forever. Sad they broke up.

[InBetweenAisles]

I really want to hear this. The song "Hands" that they released was really good.

[bloodyr0mance87]

good review. Southern Weather was a good album, but it didn't really last for me. i don't find myself going back to it very often, save for a few songs ("I Mostly Copy Other People," "Say This Sooner" and "Southern Weather" for the most part), and that has me hesitant to pick up this album. i love Aaron's voice and Sprinkle is a money producer, but i'm just not sold on this.

[Josh20426]

Southern Weather was great right off the bat, but then i realized that every song sounded exactly the same and i grew tired of it. This one took a couple listens to grow on me, but i feel like it will have a better lasting power. I love the lyrics on this album especially.

[bfry33]

awesome review, drew.
aaron has always impressed me w/ his musicianship, and to see that the strength of his voice is continuing to grow is a MAJOR plus. i havent yet listened to the album all the way through because i also bought Say Anything's self-titled album today, but i cant wait to check it out!

[cereal4life]

no RIYL?
It's true, Drew! Swallow your pride, stop saying "I don't do RIYLs" and give your fans what they want and what is the good and informative thing to do: supply a RIYL. It was a good review but you really ought to integrate a RIYL in your reviews.

[Gregory Robson]

It's true, Drew! Swallow your pride, stop saying "I don't do RIYLs" and give your fans what they want and what is the good and informative thing to do: supply a RIYL. It was a good review but you really ought to integrate a RIYL in your reviews.
I really am so glad you said that. Thank you sir.

[JLPullano]

I'm excited to listen. But what's up with this whole "Monster" trend. There's a lot of bands using that specific word. As well as the word "Fireflies" Weird coincidence.

[mylohimself]

nice review
i dig the album

[MFSchris]

Did anyone else feel like Southern Weather was just a less-inspired, far more boring version of Terminal? That's how it felt to me so I was never much into it. I'll still give this one a listen. Great review.
dude i completely agree! I was a huge fan of Terminal's cd, may they RIP. But yeah I've told people that the Almost sounds like a less inspired version of Terminal but they get what I was talking about. That being said... I'm actually enjoying this cd after the second listen through.

[Drew Beringer]

It's true, Drew! Swallow your pride, stop saying "I don't do RIYLs" and give your fans what they want and what is the good and informative thing to do: supply a RIYL. It was a good review but you really ought to integrate a RIYL in your reviews.
I mentioned that the album has a Foo Fighters feel with some Relient K melodies and a pinch of classic rock, I usually integrate my RIYL within the actual review.

[Gregory Robson]

I mentioned that the album has a Foo Fighters feel with some Relient K melodies and a pinch of classic rock, I usually integrate my RIYL within the actual review.
Yeah but every other reviewer features an RIYL. Isn't it part of the format?

[unnameworthy]

The man can sing so much better than this.

[CarouselBoy]

I feel like I would like these guys more if I saw them live. Not feeling this album really.
you probably would. Aaron is a very entertaining front man

[cityinthesea15]

go listen to this band...
www.myspace.com/citsmusic

[awwgereee]

Not feeling this album at all. I'm sorry but good production is no excuse for weak songs... And I'm a huge The Almost fan. It just didn't grab me the way SW did. Maybe it'll grow on me... We'll see.
Exactly what I was thinking.

[forgivedurden37]

I can't get "Lonely Wheel" out of my head

[kevinAIWW]

I wasn't as impressed with this CD, but I didn't know that Aaron drummed and sang. He didn't on Southern Weather.

[HelloxAlone]

Southern Weather wasn't bad, there were a few songs I liked, but I found a lot of them sounded the same, and only a few stood out to me.
On this one, they're definitely more diverse, but I'm not sure how into it I am yet.. I guess it needs time.

[the1]

I wasn't as impressed with this CD, but I didn't know that Aaron drummed and sang. He didn't on Southern Weather.
...he did everything on Southern Weather, you silly person.

[lostfear]

I mentioned that the album has a Foo Fighters feel with some Relient K melodies and a pinch of classic rock, I usually integrate my RIYL within the actual review.
Great Review Drew. I'm in love with this album. Monster is like a fucking Led Zeppelin song!

[kevinAIWW]

...he did everything on Southern Weather, you silly person.
Didn't know that. I thought he had a band to back him up.

[the1]

Didn't know that. I thought he had a band to back him up.
nah. he recruited them 4 live

[kevinAIWW]

nah. he recruited them 4 live
and videos i take it. I think in the say this sooner video they should have edited it for him to be playing all of the instruments then.

[the1]

and videos i take it. I think in the say this sooner video they should have edited it for him to be playing all of the instruments then.
Maybe....but then it would be "Aaron" not "The Almost"...maybe he doesn't like all the attention haha

[kevinAIWW]

Maybe....but then it would be "Aaron" not "The Almost"...maybe he doesn't like all the attention haha
If he didn't like the attention he would not have done anything as "The Almost" ;)

[syntax omitted]

I listen to this band when I'm in a good mood.

It's just very upbeat pop-rock. Nothing more, nothing less; and that's what I love about it.

[Zkrp]

This is defiantly better than Southern Weather because it really breaks away form that overly used pop punk all time low kinda sound(which bores me to death) and its still catchy while still having such a unique sound love it great review

[WatchThemSuffer]

Well I didn't like Southern Weather the first time I played it, but I heard it again and got hooked. I'm listening to Monster Monster right now and I'm not impressed, but maybe I'll retrogress like I did on the first one and become less critical.

[queenwinky]

"Want to" is sloppy. they should've put that somewhere else on the tracklist. It's making me want to say. finish up the album already.

[queenwinky]

This is defiantly better than Southern Weather because it really breaks away form that overly used pop punk all time low kinda sound(which bores me to death) and its still catchy while still having such a unique sound love it great review

all time low songs sometimes appear a lil monotoned. but that's just me...

[KOW]

The only song on this album is hands. The rest just sounded really generic.

[Zkrp]

The only song on this album is hands. The rest just sounded really generic.
Dude the two acoustics Hand Grenade and Monster are so good. Monster Monster was good and Lonely Wheel are good songs to as well as Hands

[vale93kotor]

I havo to check this out

[JTDultimate]

Hmm yeah solid review but I do agree some of the album is a bit boring at first glance. It grows on you really quickly though and parts that you originally thought were lame suddenly seem so much better. He's a pretty talented dude, can't deny that.

[mylohimself]

Hmm yeah solid review but I do agree some of the album is a bit boring at first glance. It grows on you really quickly though and parts that you originally thought were lame suddenly seem so much better. He's a pretty talented dude, can't deny that.
Agree 100%
The CD kept moving up on my list

[dtomczak]

just now finally picked this up because i thought southern weather didn't have much lasting value. but i love this release. should've mentioned "want to" though, aaron's screams in it are so powerful. not one bad song on the whole thing.