And Then There Were None - Who Speaks For Planet Earth?

[Drew Beringer]

And Then There Were None – Who Speaks For Planet Earth?
Release Date: February 24, 2009
Record Label: Tooth and Nail

Let’s be honest, the majority of scene bands trying to play “dance” music suck. And no matter what kind of variation is added – pop-rock or (shudder) screaming – the music comes across as half-assed, as the band cares more about their image and moves onstage. The dance/electronic genre can be fun when done decently though, and the New Hampshire quintet, And Then There Were None, takes their best shot at accomplishing this feat. At least they are one of the few bands in this specific genre that don’t make me wish that Peter the Apostle would chop my ears off.

And Then There Were None’s debut album, Who Speaks For Planet Earth? is deliciously produced. The synths, electronic drums, and subtle guitars sound crisp and are nicely layered. Vocalist Matt Rhoades sounds pretty good too (like a poor man’s Stephen Christian). “John Orr The Arsonist” is very energetic and synth-heavy. Before taking on their Euro-dance sound, And Then There Were None was a metal band (you could accuse them of jumping onto the hottest trend, but Rhoades contends it was because he ran out of ideas for metal), and it’s evident they incorporate that "metal" energy and speed into a lot of their songs. “The Hospital” has some good pep to it as well, and Rhoades' vocals really own the song.

The best track comes in the form of “Reinventing Robert Cohn.” Paced by bursting drum blasts and piercing keys, the song is a complete frenzy of everything you might love that is electronic. After the first three tracks, your pulse is going nuts and you’re amped all the way to 10, hoping that the next few tracks will jack it up to 11. Sadly, it doesn’t. In fact, Who Speaks For Planet Earth? turns the dial down to about 6.

“Action Is The Anecdote” sounds hollow, while “The Atmosphere” sounds horribly forced. The middle of Who Speaks is terribly bland, as the pacing of each track starts to blend with each other, and the continuous “oomp, oomp, oomp” beat starts to really annoy you. The album switches up with the band’s cover of Richard Marx’s 1989 hit ballad, “Right Here Waiting.” Not only is this cover really poor, but also it’s placed in an absurd spot of the album, as the lightheartedness of the song takes away from the more serious tone of the album. Sure, the cover breaks up the monotony of the middle tracks, but it also ruins the flow.

Fortunately, some of the final songs redeem the album a little bit. “Thank The Watchmaker” has a nice blend of keys and drums, while the guitars play a prominent role. And, of course, the catchy chorus doesn’t hurt either. And closer “Insozzz…” retires the album with striking results, as the fusion of synths, subtle guitar tones, and Rhoades’ tenor create a tasty melody.

Who Speaks For Planet Earth? is a commendable first effort from And Then There Were None. While the middle portion is littered with flaws, tracks like “Reinventing Robert Cohn” and “Insozzz…” prove that the band is capable of creating good and exciting dance music. And even though it becomes difficult to differentiate some of the tracks, you’ll still be shaking your ass along to it. In the end, Who Speaks For Planet Earth? isn’t an album you’ll play regularly, but when you’re in the mood for an all-night rave, it’ll be the first thing you throw on in your stereo.

Track Listing:
1. Murmurs of…
2. John Orr The Arsonist
3. The Hospital
4. Reinventing Robert Cohn
5. Action Is The Anecdote
6. The Atmosphere
7. Cloak and Dagger
8. Right Here Waiting
9. Bed Of Nails
10. Thank The Watchmaker
11. The Alamo
12. Insozzz…
Produced by: Matt Rhoades and Sean Sweeney

And Then There Were None are:
Matt Rhoades - Vocals / Programming
Sean Sweeney - Guitar / Vocals
Nick Massahos - Guitar / Vocals
Matt McCommish - Synths
Ryan Manning – Drums

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

[Nick Le]

That was a good review. I really enjoyed this album, it's a fun record. And I liked the Right Here Waiting cover, but that's just me.

I've listened to their old stuff, and they're metalcore stuff was way good too. Haha. Weird change in sound, but I don't mind.

[hockeyguitar99]

I would've given it a little lower, but good job on the review!

[hardpill]

What a strange transition...

[AdamChildress]

I am not such a fan of this band....They really did nothing for me...

Great review though!

[Broclee]

Pretty spot-on, a decent effort. Much better than a lot of the shit out there.

[live.]

Great review. The score shouldn't turn anyone away from this record. If you secretly want a new guilty pleasure, this could be it.

[handlikesecret]

great review.

[trappedintime]

I really thought this would get a bigger score because of the reaction for them on this site has been mostly positive. They're a good band. I like them.

[batmannj]

Good review Drew, I am glad that you reviewed this. I have been giving this record a lot of spins since Tuesday, mainly because I can chill and have a good time with it.

[xJesusFreakx]

Good review. I haven't listened to this yet, but I heard "Reinventing Robert Cohn" and found it enjoyable. They aren't anything special, and Family Force 5 is still a better "fun" band, but at least they are listenable, which is more than can be said about brokeNCYDE, the Millionaires, and so on.

[deadjean]

That was a good review. I really enjoyed this album, it's a fun record. And I liked the Right Here Waiting cover, but that's just me.

I've listened to their old stuff, and they're metalcore stuff was way good too. Haha. Weird change in sound, but I don't mind.
do you know where I could listen to their old stuff?

[FaceLixeMurder]

I am impressed with this album, good review

[Silver Wings]

accurate review, think you need to be in a certain mood to listen to them. I had a crap day at work and got into my car yesterday, they come on and i went nuts and put on some thrice instead.

[xsinkshipsx]

exactly what I thought.....some decent stuff and their decent stuff is better than all this scene dance shit...but....still not amazing....spot on

[SuNDaYSTaR]

Just had a first spin. Not bad, but not something I'll remember forever either.

[njiata603]

I'm from the same area as these guys, and they have changed their sound over the years to fit whatever style was most popular at the time. they finally got in the right place at the right time. fuck this band.

[MatAutomatica]

I'm from the same area as these guys, and they have changed their sound over the years to fit whatever style was most popular at the time. they finally got in the right place at the right time. fuck this band.
They have played 2 genre's of music. How this means they have "changed their sound over the years to fit the most popular style" makes absolutely no sense. I'm also from the same area as them. You're a fucking idiot.

[awakeohsleeper]

Good review, but just not my cup of tea. I find it too repetitive.

[SilenceBrokenTT]

Pretty much hit it dead on with how it's a great 4-5 opening tracks, then goes south quickly. The cover ruins the flow of the album like none other. And then, like you said, the album is (somewhat) saved by the last three tracks.

[DandonTRJ]

Hmm. I haven't spun the full album yet, but this seems like a fair review. So would it have made a better EP rather than an LP, with the middle excised? What score would you have given it then?

[denissuxx]

Amazing review; spot on!

[SteveD]

I asked this in a previous thread but weren't these guys a Screamo/hardcore band when hardcore was popular?

[Badgers08]

Review is spot on. It's a fun album if you're in the mood to shake your ass at a rave and doesn't sound extremely contrived like most of the dance/neon/electronica shit out there (I'm talking to you Cash Cash).

[vegas skies]

I'd have to say this is a very good review, however, I don't agree with it, good job.

[MatAutomatica]

I asked this in a previous thread but weren't these guys a Screamo/hardcore band when hardcore was popular?
They have been playing metal since I want to say 2003, maybe earlier. Metal. Not scremo/hardcore. They never played a brand of music that was a "trend" at the time.

[njiata603]

They have played 2 genre's of music. How this means they have "changed their sound over the years to fit the most popular style" makes absolutely no sense. I'm also from the same area as them. You're a fucking idiot.


Wow, you little kids get rowdy about your garbage bands. Don't see how I deserved that.

[MatAutomatica]

Wow, you little kids get rowdy about your garbage bands. Don't see how I deserved that.
You deserved that because you made an uneducated comment that made absolutely no sense and then finished it off with "fuck this band". And now you have made another uneducated comment by calling a band that has consistently been touring the country for years now a "garage band". You continue to make stupid comments with absolutely no validity behind them, therefor only embarrassing yourself instead of trying to get across whatever point you are making.

[njiata603]

You deserved that because you made an uneducated comment that made absolutely no sense and then finished it off with "fuck this band". And now you have made another uneducated comment by calling a band that has consistently been touring the country for years now a "garage band". You continue to make stupid comments with absolutely no validity behind them, therefor only embarrassing yourself instead of trying to get across whatever point you are making.


Are you sure the person who gets riled up about a faceless person's opinion on the internet isn't the one embarrassing themselves? And i called them a "GarBage" band, with a B. I'm not sure where they practice, as it is of no interest to me. We should get coffee sometime. Also, I have some education. Sophomore in College. We can talk about it, if you like. Let's be friends.

[eversoinviting]

I am not such a fan of this band....They really did nothing for me...

Great review though!
Cool avatar. I'm actually towards the end of the game right now (I think).

[Jack's Sound K]

so i bought this album and so far i really like it, not gonna lie. i just dont want to read the "band thanks" part again because it thanks certain bands for taking them on tour and brokencyde and millionairs are mentioned

[laxcrs]

track listing is wrong

[Mochem]

Good review. Seems like the score should be a bit higher than a 59% based on what you said though. I ordered it yesterday, so I've only heard the songs on their myspace, and the Imogen Heap cover and I really like their stuff.

[Broclee]

track listing is wrong

It's just missing The Hospital, but good catch.

Good review. Seems like the score should be a bit higher than a 59% based on what you said though. I ordered it yesterday, so I've only heard the songs on their myspace, and the Imogen Heap cover and I really like their stuff.

The score is sort of justified, and when you listen the full album you'll probably hear it.

[BruisedxBroken]

as a fan of breathe carolina, metro station and even wtg, i'm suprised to say i could not get into this at all. i imagine that people who don't normally dig electro music may like this, though. it's just one of those records...

[ExplodingStereo]

Funny, I have to disagree with you in some areas. "The Atmosphere" is one of my favorites on the album, whereas "Insozzz..." is a pretty bad closer. I will agree that most of the album gets repetitive and it won't be an album on my Favorite of '09 (even if "Reinventing Robert Cohn will be stuck in my head forever), but I think this band could definitely have a bright future if they get a little more crazy and creative with the synths and loops and make something that stands out more.

[Broclee]

as a fan of breathe carolina, metro station and even wtg, i'm suprised to say i could not get into this at all. i imagine that people who don't normally dig electro music may like this, though. it's just one of those records...
Not gonna lie, I find it extremely interesting that you like Metro Station and Breathe Carolina but can't get into this. Hmm.

[BruisedxBroken]

Not gonna lie, I find it extremely interesting that you like Metro Station and Breathe Carolina but can't get into this. Hmm.

I hate the singers voice, for one. Plus, i think the music itself feels forced. At least you know that Trace Cyrus is completely at home writing fruity euro-pop knock off tunes. That fact that this band used to do metalcore left me suspect from the jump...

[Broclee]

I hate the singers voice, for one. Plus, i think the music itself feels forced. At least you know that Trace Cyrus is completely at home writing fruity euro-pop knock off tunes. That fact that this band used to do metalcore left me suspect from the jump...
Ah, well, we all have different tastes. I personally don't care for Metro Station or Breathe Carolina, but I enjoyed this album a bit.

[im_wide_awake]

I like this band, but their best song is the Heaven remix. I really want to pick this up, I think they're rather good and exciting.

[Mochem]

It's just missing The Hospital, but good catch.



The score is sort of justified, and when you listen the full album you'll probably hear it.
I'm not saying it doesn't deserve that score (though I'm sure I'll give it a higher score whenever I listen to it). Just that if I only read the review and guessed what the score was, I'd guess he gave it higher than a 59%.

Also, nice avatar.

[cory-182]

I've been listening to this album since Tuesday. I really love a handful of songs, but overall its just an average album.

I've been singing this and playing this around my friends, so I give them props for making techno cool (at least in my mind).

[Brett3]

Great review. Decent album, I like it pretty well.

[Mochem]

I've been listening to this album since Tuesday. I really love a handful of songs, but overall its just an average album.

I've been singing this and playing this around my friends, so I give them props for making techno cool (at least in my mind).
You wanna hear cool music like this? Top Modelz version of Your Love. Midtown and a handful of other artists covered it too.

Well I don't know about cool...but I think it's awesome.

[cory-182]

You wanna hear cool music like this? Top Modelz version of Your Love. Midtown and a handful of other artists covered it too.

Well I don't know about cool...but I think it's awesome.
Is cool not synonymous with awesome anymore?

[DI Pistola]

Either you like dance music or you don't. I appreciate the fact that these guys don't seem to be doing it for scene points.
And "Robert Cohn" isn't half bad.

[MatAutomatica]

Are you sure the person who gets riled up about a faceless person's opinion on the internet isn't the one embarrassing themselves? And i called them a "GarBage" band, with a B. I'm not sure where they practice, as it is of no interest to me. We should get coffee sometime. Also, I have some education. Sophomore in College. We can talk about it, if you like. Let's be friends.
What does being a sophomore in college have to do with anything i said? Having an education and making an uneducated statement are two completely different things. Unless you are trying to tell me that somewhere along your formal education you took a class on the history of ATTWN, telling me you are a sophomore in college is useless to this conversation. You said they have constantly changed their style over the years to mimic what was popular. They have changed their style of music once now. Therefor you were wrong, making what you said an uneducated statement. I never said you were uneducated in general, just that you were uneducated on the subject of ATTWN changing their style of music. I get riled up, because what you said was an untrue statement, followed by "fuck this band". It was not necessary to the conversation, because what you said lacked validity and merit. I am "riled up" because it is unfortunate that people like yourself come on to this website and voice a statement based on untrue facts and biased opinion.

[fightinirish217]

Pretty good album, some good songs and some not good songs. Not too bad.

[more heart]

Considering the genre, these guys are talented. Score seemed low to me but I've yet to buy the record and even still, the score is at least fair. I'm excited to see these guys tomorrow. They have a very fun and highly energetic show.

[Mochem]

Is cool not synonymous with awesome anymore?
If you drove around listening to it with your windows down, people may not find you cool.
But you would feel awesome.

[BruisedxBroken]

If you drove around listening to it with your windows down, people may not find you cool.
But you would feel awesome.

this is for the win...

/

[cory-182]

If you drove around listening to it with your windows down, people may not find you cool.
But you would feel awesome.
Hahaha. Thanks for clearing that up.

[ryanhartkopf]

At least they are one of the few bands in this specific genre that don’t make me wish that Peter the Apostle would chop my ears off.
This :)

[Broclee]

I'm not saying it doesn't deserve that score (though I'm sure I'll give it a higher score whenever I listen to it). Just that if I only read the review and guessed what the score was, I'd guess he gave it higher than a 59%.

Also, nice avatar.
Ah, ok, I see your point.

Oh, and thanks!

[EchoPark]

big fan of this release. made me realize that if done properly and with honesty,electro can meld with pop punk pretty well.

one of the best albums for thus far in '09

[saving jonathan]

Ha, I've heard good things about Sex Drive.
I'll have to rent that soon.

Blockbuster card, do work.

[handlikesecret]

3.5 for lyrics, really? i'm just wondering what made you score it that low, i respect your points though.

[Justin052]

I was overly impressed with this record, more than I expected when I picked it up. The review surprised me, but at the same time the dance scene can get a bit old at times, so I agree with the review in some aspects. The review shouldn't turn anyone off to the record, it's definitely worth checking out and giving a chance.

[Justin052]

If you drove around listening to it with your windows down, people may not find you cool.
But you would feel awesome.

Been there, done that. =)

[MattDennis]

They should have changed their name. This is not the same band : (

[Broclee]

They should have changed their name. This is not the same band : (
Have they had a line-up change?

[MattDennis]

Have they had a line-up change?

Nah, I just meant in regard to their sound. It may as well be a whole new lineup, yaknow?

[Broclee]

Nah, I just meant in regard to their sound. It may as well be a whole new lineup, yaknow?
:shrug:

"You don't have to worry 'cause we're still the same band."

;-)

[MattDennis]

:shrug:

"You don't have to worry 'cause we're still the same band."

;-)

Haha that may technically be the case, but they will never be the And Then There Were None I knew ever again. To me it's like they broke up and some techno band stole their name.

[Broclee]

Haha that may technically be the case, but they will never be the And Then There Were None I knew ever again. To me it's like they broke up and some techno band stole their name.
I'm just picking with ya, hence the Panic at the Disco quote and the winky smiley.

I can understand where you're coming from, especially if you were a huge fan of their original sound.

[CarouselBoy]

Are you sure the person who gets riled up about a faceless person's opinion on the internet isn't the one embarrassing themselves? And i called them a "GarBage" band, with a B. I'm not sure where they practice, as it is of no interest to me. We should get coffee sometime. Also, I have some education. Sophomore in College. We can talk about it, if you like. Let's be friends.
can I throw my 2 cents in and vote for YOU being the tool in this argument? Thank you kind sir!

[birthstoned]

There are a couple songs i cant stand, but for the most part, i thoroughly enjoyed this album. Puts me in a good mood.

[LongDistanceDrunk]

What does being a sophomore in college have to do with anything i said? Having an education and making an uneducated statement are two completely different things. Unless you are trying to tell me that somewhere along your formal education you took a class on the history of ATTWN, telling me you are a sophomore in college is useless to this conversation. You said they have constantly changed their style over the years to mimic what was popular. They have changed their style of music once now. Therefor you were wrong, making what you said an uneducated statement. I never said you were uneducated in general, just that you were uneducated on the subject of ATTWN changing their style of music. I get riled up, because what you said was an untrue statement, followed by "fuck this band". It was not necessary to the conversation, because what you said lacked validity and merit. I am "riled up" because it is unfortunate that people like yourself come on to this website and voice a statement based on untrue facts and biased opinion.
How many albums have they put out? According to the review this is their first but others in this thread said they have been around since '03 so that doesn't make sense

[Broclee]

How many albums have they put out? According to the review this is their first but others in this thread said they have been around since '03 so that doesn't make sense
They may have been around for that long, but this looks like their first official release...I can't find anything on others.

There are some people in here that knew about them in the metal(core?) days, maybe they know...

[MattDennis]

How many albums have they put out? According to the review this is their first but others in this thread said they have been around since '03 so that doesn't make sense

Back when they were a metal group they released a 7 song EP called "The Hope We Forgot Exists." It was good shit in the same vein as As I Lay Dying, and older It Dies Today.

[showbiz742]

and before "The Hope We Forgot Exists" was a 7-song selftitled EP




I loved them as a metalcore band. and I love them even more as a dance band.
metalcore is a dime a dozen

[more heart]

Just so everybody is aware, they were once a metalcore band. I saw them tonight and the singer was wearing a Dead To Fall shirt and the Keyboardist had a Deathwish Records shirt on as well.

On that note, this is one of the best bands I've ever seen live. They can really work a crowd and get everyone involved.

[showbiz742]

ahahahahahah oh matt and his dead to fall shirt. he found that sweet buy at salvation army

[showbiz742]

Have they had a line-up change?
i guess i should add YES there has been a line up change since they made the jump
Matt M added on synth and Nick was added on guitar AFTER Nick their bassist and their lead guitarist (crap i can't remember his name) left.





but they're still the same band. New sound. Same hard work ethic, same great hearts, same passion.

[contact]

A few answers about ATTWN. Yes they were a hardcore / metal core band from Late 2003 until September of 2007. There are two other Cd’s they released. One was a self titled EP that was done entirely by them, and the other was a label named 13 Star Records that released “The Hope We Forgot Exist”. This cd is still available I believe on Itunes or through the labels web page or myspace page. (www.myspace.com/13starrecords)In the New England Area it is also still available at most Bull Moose Music stores, and Newberry Comics Music stores. So to that Idiot who said they constantly changed styles. You are dead wrong. Stop trying to have people think you know the music scene. It is obvious to the ones that do, that you are fake, a liar, and probably a cheat.

They played a sold out show in Manchester New Hampshire September of 2007. This was there last as a hardcore / metal core band. The events of that evening was not the main factor in there change but it was defiantly the straw that broke the camels back. They absolutely love the energy there metal days brought, but being a Christian metal band they did not appreciate the violence, and negativity that came with it.

So being long time fans of the Euro Beat they toyed around with some songs and came to the realization that they loved that style of music, and it had all the things they loved with the energy, the atmosphere, and was a positive vibe. So they then started recording with the same line up intact, and for one reason or another two members decided to leave. Nick, there Bass guitarist, and Jay there Lead guitarist.

This is when a long time friend Matt Mccomish came in to play Keys, and synths, then they auditioned Nick Massahos and hired him as there new guitarist. Nick also came from the hardcore family in a very popular local favorite band named “Armor For The Broken”

I am a former writer for a local weekly entertainment paper in Manchester, NH so I was able to watch them grow from teenagers to young adults. I am not a huge fan of there music, either as a metal band or a euro beat band, but I am a fan of them personally. What separates them from the rest in this industry is that they are genuine. They are good people all around. One of the hardest working groups of people you will meet. They are very humble.

That being said my favorite song on there new cd is Cloak and Dagger. Its in the middle of the cd, and I don’t think it lacks anything. Very powerful, lots of energy. Congratulations to them, and I wish them much success. Great SOLD OUT SHOW last night as well. The line of people buying your cd was something to see!

[joeclayy]

This cd and this band sucks.

[Zachals]

All i've heard from this band is Reinventing Robert Cohn and their Hide and Seek cover.
i really liked both songs

[redfalcon431]

This cd is pretty awesome, some songs aren't all that great though, but I am surprised you didn't mention Bed of Nails, that was really a standout track IMO

[AdamChildress]

Cool avatar. I'm actually towards the end of the game right now (I think).
Chrono Trigger is one of my favorite games of all time...the story is timeless, the art is incredible(I am bias though), and I think that it is a game you could go back to over and over again. The real treat of the game, if you are at the end, is to get all the endings, it is really worth it.

[ericpoulin]

They have played 2 genre's of music. How this means they have "changed their sound over the years to fit the most popular style" makes absolutely no sense. I'm also from the same area as them. You're a fucking idiot.
hahahah mat.

[zombie!pirate!]

Drew, easily some of the best reviews on this site are written by you, keep it up man

[loserpig]

this is pretty average in my opinion but not necessarily bad

[samzillaholla]

this album is seriously amazing,
although alot of people disagree with that.

i remember them when they were metalcore,
so it's crazy to think that it's the same band.

they do amazing in both genres,
and it's so epic.
legit.
who speaks for planet earth? is basically on repeat on my itunes constantly,
and i can't get enough of it.

if you haven't checked it out yet,
i highly recommend that you do.
and def check out their old stuff.
you won't be disappointed either way.

[iamnuwave]

Cloak and Dagger is their new best song and i like The Atmosphere.

i think now, we're going to start to see who can get past this trend and be able to hold up, if that makes sense.

I believe honestly that Breathe Carolina and ATTWN are the only two that will get past the trend. Even if you like one or the other, both, or none.

They BOTH have the best energy at their show, even compared to the headliner.

[Mochem]

After finally listening to it a few times, the last 6 tracks were my least favorite. They weren't really bad, but compared to the ones before it, they fell short. I did like the Marx cover though. The Watchmaker sounds way too much like Hospital and the harmonies/melody notes in Bed of Nails makes me want to skip the track every time the chorus comes in. And in Insozz... when they sing "you were nothing but a best kept secret" it sounds a lot like a Taking Back Sunday song. Cute Without the E maybe.

Anyway, I'd give it somewhere in the 70's probably.

[Stearman77]

I feel odd listening to this album the music is catchy, upbeat but the lyrics are very depressing.It catches one if not paying attention.have become who I hope that you were, but i'd tear out my two eyes for one chance to bring you back here, its not that far to the hospital just say you'll take me and i'll be happy.Lyrics form the hospital and alot of other songs are lyrical strong in that sense.Still confused i am.