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Artistic growth, a great sophmore effort | Posted November-13-2007
Manic Drive's first album was released om 2005 with the lead single "Memories" making a splash and catching the ear of many, and why not, it was a blod declaration of faith rapped up in a catchy tune. But upon further inspection the album as a whole did not present itself as something to get hyped about. Sure some of the songs were still good but the overall raw sound, lack of lyrical creativity and songs that sounded the same as each other made the album an average rock effort at best.
So with their second album the band had a pretty low standard to surpass and the good news is that they have done so with flying colours.
From the offset you feel that the album has a different feel to it and that each track distinguishes itself from the others. You might be turned off by the album opener "NYC Gangsters". Not only is the song named horribly but it is an average nu-metal song that sounds similar to something that would be found on a TFK B-sides album if they were ever to release one.
Things however get better from here and you get the oppurtunity to see the artistic growth and improvement with the band. THe first radio single features a piano melody along with haunting choir vocals, something that would be found on an evanescence song. And things don't stay the same from here on as the album continues with "Dance" a funky dance tune featuring a spanish guitar riff featuring female rap vocals. Think Justin Timberlake song featuring missy elliot and you'll know what I mean. This kind of a song would fit no where on the debut, infact now that I come to think of it neither would the songs "The Inventor", "Change","Hope" or "december Mourning". THe last song mentioned makes use of more haunting choir vocals to drive home the message of a melancholic christmas while "The Inventor" uses ambient piano and pognant lyrics reflecting spiritual seeking.
To summarize it all this album is a definite step forward for the band. They incorporate different elements such as piano melodies, rap vocals, and choir parts to give each song a disticnt personality, even the straight up rockers on this album have more interesting guitar riffs and lyrics then the average nu-metal fare that was on the debut cd.
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One of the best metal albums this year. | Posted November-12-2007
Simply put this album is Demon Hunter's best album yet and one of the best this year in the metal genre. Never before has Demon Hunter played with such agression and brutality. This is evident from the start as the title track kicks of the album, and what a start it is, the first song is a thrash metal masterpiece only lacking a good guitar solo but succeding on every other account. This is followed by "lead us home" a track that again incorparates the new found agression of Demon Hunter yet still retaining their trademark melodic quality.
The other ten songs follow suit, everything has been stepped up, the guitars are more crunchy, loud and angressive and the drumbeats are ferocious as Yogi pounds away loudly. If you've never liked Demon Hunter before this new found agression may win you over and if your a long time fan you will still be pleased with some of the melodic elements that are still present. If the only thing that was keeping you from liking this band is lack of variety then you might have something to look forward to as well as the album switches from thrash metal to hard rock or even nu-metal at times (check out the symphonic elements of "sixteen" or the ambient keyboards in "Thorns" but still retains a cohesive heavy metal feel throughout.
The album is better then previous efforts on the lyrical front too, Ryan Clark calls for action with clever songwriting that is devoid of any cliches.
So after reading this long winded review, all you neeed to know is this album is worth a try wether your a fan of the band or not.
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The best in modern worship | Posted October-14-2007
I dont think I need to say much here. Chances are you have probably heard of this critically acclaimed band and how their music is far above most of the cookie cutter worship music available out there. This for the most part is a true assesment. If you haven't checked out this band yet then you should and see what all the hype is about.
This new album only has ten tracks but it still manages to be a musical masterpiece. From the pinao ballads to the upbeat songs layered with guitars and elcetronic beats this album takes you on a wild and enjoyable ride from start to finish.
It's a pleasure to worship and praise God when the music is this good and the lyrics are so intropective. Simply put this is a must have worship album.
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Amazing pop/rock. | Posted October-14-2007
I personally love this album. It excels both sonically and lyrically. Objectively speaking if you like piano pop/brit pop or bands like the fray and colplay then this album is for you.
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Good worship music | Posted October-11-2007
I've seen these guys live and their cd "City Streets" does not sound as good as their live shows but is still a good worship album. There is nothing new here stylistically speaking but it's all done well. Catchy guitar riffs, ambient piano melodies and string arrangements that add a special touch. If you like modern worship with a contemporary rock flavour then this album is for you.
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Great pop rock. | Posted October-11-2007
Another band from credential recordings that presents briliant and artistic rock genius, Lost Ocean presents musical stylings carrried by ambient piano melodies. If you like the piano driven pop/rock of the fray or coldplay this album is for you.
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Good, sophiticated pop/rock. | Posted October-11-2007
This album is not a revolution in sound but rather a progression. While " another jounral entry" was more raw and energetic with songs like "grey" and "let go" this album is lighter and more ambient, just take a listen to the first radio single "here's my life" to know what I mean. The fact that this change has taken place is not bad at all, infact it shows a new found maturity in their music. But even if you wanted more of the high voltage rock energy of their previous efforts, songs like "a million voices" and "take my chances" will do the trick. And if your looking for something new the jazzy "one more round" will provide a pleasant surprise. Overall this is pleasant and sophisticated pop/rock different from previous efforts by BarlowGirl but still a solid and mature album on it's own.
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Typical christian radio rock | Posted October-11-2007
For their second album Mainstay have left behind their artsy lyrics and indie tinged alternative rock sound for more generic music and cliched lyrics. This album is similar to music by artists like Jeremy Camp and Kutless. Typical cliched worshipful lyrics and standard riffs combined with piano melodies and strings for radio friendly tunes. If anything is good about the album it's the fact that the lyrica are more open and worshipful inspite of being cliched and that the music itself although typical is bound to please the ears of those who love radio friendly pop and rock and are looking for ear candy.
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A step backwards. | Posted October-11-2007
"singularity" is likable enough but like Mae's migration from indie labe Tooth and Nail to Capitol this alum takes a shift from the ambient and wimsical stylings of "The Everglow". Where as that album was driven my breathtaking piano melodies and poignant lyrics this album displays modern rock similar to swichfoot. A planned shift in style to suit their move to the mainstream? Who knows. All that you get from "Singularity" is a passsable modern rock effort with enough identity to standout on it's owb two feet, but when you compare it to the everglow it falls flat. "Home" and a hidden track called "Last Transmission II" are the only highlights worth special mention but fans will probably be able to like tracks such as "brink of disaster", "crazy 8's" and "let go"
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Solid Effort. | Posted October-11-2007
This is a solid pop/rock effort from Toronto natives Turn Off the Stars. With influences ranging from coldplay to radiohead this album is a lush and hook laiden joy from beggining to end. Songs such as "If Only" and "Lately" provide catchy and irresistable pop rock melodies akin to music by the best brit pop bands around and the accoustic album closer is similar to the pop goodness of "Oasis". Great album if your looking for pop-rock that is similar to the brit pop of bands like travis, coldplay etc.
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