Appropriately named, Albatross, the debut album from Seattle quartet The Classic Crime, spreads its wings wide. The Classic Crime—Mat McDonald (vocals), Justin Duque ( guitars), Paul Erickson (drums), Alan Clark (bass) and Robbie Negrin (guitars)—compose songs that sweep, that swoon and ultimately rock. Albatross was produced by Michael “Elvis” Baskette (Chevelle, Cold), who sharply identifies each instrument and doesn't create an atmosphere that distracts away from the music.
As each song pours into the next, Albatross is a ferocious 45-minute album which tears delicately but still rocks steadily. Though this freshmen release does not stand out amongst the sea of rock albums, The Classic Crime have issued an acceptable album. Albatross evokes themes of dependence, prodigal and reciprocated love, squandering time and restoration.
“The Fight” is a fitting first track; with high-energy and volatile drumming, it gives a great idea for what will come from the following songs. A personal favorite on Albatross was the third track of the album, “Who Needs Air.” The song coasts through a steady verse and explodes in the chorus with a chorus that has McDonald pleading through the microphone: “When you’ve got what I’ve got, who needs air?” Though, at first listen, the entry riffs on “The Coldest Heart” sound as if Matt Squire and Panic! At the Disco had a hand in production, however Matt McDonald drops his playful vocal arrangements and follows a cyclical rock anthem into another appealing chorus. “Say the Word” is the next standout track on the album. It delivers a suitable and simple guitar lick to the vocals which builds and builds then crashing through a particularly tasty chorus. The slowest track on the album is "Headlights" which teeters on being a ballad. The song warrants a plea to return and the lyrics carry the album to a soothing end. Often albums can end too abruptly, fade away or end in a way that doesn’t reflect the record’s mood. While “Headlights’ isn’t exactly the thesis track for Alabatross, the track shows that the bands wingspan is wider than the previous 11 songs.
Strengths and weaknesses? The band is able to continually drive though the complete album with confidence and puncuate the end of the album with gentle ballad. The weaknesses that stand out for me is that for a debut album, a band needs to showcase their range while still keeping the unity of a complete album. At times, I feel that the songs run together which ruins it replayability.
In the end, The Classic Crime demonstrate that they can write music with power-rock hooks and bottle rocket choruses. But can they poke through the scene and establish themselves with this album? Odds are no. But the greener side of the fence suggests that with Albatross acting as a thing of momentum, The Classic Crime will not fall short.
Also check out: "The Bitter Uprising" and "Warrior Poet"
i actually thought they did really well on the T&N tour when they came around, they made a really good first impression on me when I saw them, I bought the demo record they were selling at the show and I know I'll be out to get this tomorrow, I'm looking forward to it.
I still have mixed feelings about this band even after reading Gabe's review. They impressed me at first but then it faded away after a few listens. I really agree that they don't have the replayability.
These guys are gonna stay. Matt has the mind of a lion and will create catchy/goood/great/bomb songs with the band as long as they are alive.
If you ask me... this is damn good music and a ton of people are going to be able to relate to what Matt talks about. The audience to which this music will mainly attract might not be the AP.net audience (i guess thats a little broad haha), but they definitely have staying power. I'm sure they are going to prove themselves with the next album... and the next and the next.
As for the review... I thought it was good, but I'm sorry... I do not see the relationship between TCC/Coldest Heart/Elvis Baskett and Panic!/Matt Squire... you should explain that a little more because if you think THAT sounds like Panic! and Matt Squire... I'd like to know what you think about bands that actually do sound like Panic!... but yeeeah. Just my thoughts... nothing more.
I'll be at the store buying this album first thing tomorrow.
I believe they're a quintet, not a quartet, but thanks Gabe for doing your homework on "Alabatross" ... ya might want to run it through spell check next time.
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