Post by thesoundmonitor on Jan 18, 2004 0:04:51 GMT -5
ALEXISONFIRE
Alexisonfire
(Equal Vision) EVR89
This album sat on my desk for some weeks before I gave it a real chance. In part because I received Coheed & Cambria at the same time, which - put simply - dominated my listening habits for the next few weeks, and in part because whenever I place it in my PC it would only play the CDROM component and ignore the audio. That meant I had to get off my backside and move to another room entirely. That also means I am now writing this review based on memory, and not in my usual fashion of listening as I write.
Now one paragraph into my review and I've told you only of my listening/reviewing procedure and naught of Alexisonfire... so I best get started.
The first thing that I noticed with AOF is the prolonged introduction to the first track '.44 Caliber Love Letter'. After about 2-3 minutes of guitar chorus effects, the band decide to join in on the post-hardcore fun with dual vocals and complex rhythms.
The double-edge vocal attack consists of the screamo variety - an approach apparently popular with the kids these days -provided by a gentleman by the name of George and the emo sort - another popular style - by one guitarist Wade. It's a good thing Wade joins in, as George's vox are particularly one-dimensional and irritating at times. This is due mainly to the complexities within the music as well as the potential for great hooks and melodies. The stop/start rhythm methods combine with the atmospheric, depressive mood but do not complete the amalgamation as George’s screams override the ambience.
I recall ‘Adelleda’ being a good tune with more room for colour, and the final track ‘Pulmonary Archery’ also being of high quality.
Lyrically George spits themes tainted with teen angst and fear of the future, so his vocal delivery does match his emotions. And as far as screaming goes, he can certainly hold his own. But ultimately the musical approach and the vocal delivery compete with each other, and rarely harmonize. Which is a shame as all five members come off as competent and confident young men.
In summary, Alexisonfire is not a band I’d be quick to write-off, but I’d be equally as cautious in embracing them.
by Warren Wheeler
Alexisonfire
(Equal Vision) EVR89
This album sat on my desk for some weeks before I gave it a real chance. In part because I received Coheed & Cambria at the same time, which - put simply - dominated my listening habits for the next few weeks, and in part because whenever I place it in my PC it would only play the CDROM component and ignore the audio. That meant I had to get off my backside and move to another room entirely. That also means I am now writing this review based on memory, and not in my usual fashion of listening as I write.
Now one paragraph into my review and I've told you only of my listening/reviewing procedure and naught of Alexisonfire... so I best get started.
The first thing that I noticed with AOF is the prolonged introduction to the first track '.44 Caliber Love Letter'. After about 2-3 minutes of guitar chorus effects, the band decide to join in on the post-hardcore fun with dual vocals and complex rhythms.
The double-edge vocal attack consists of the screamo variety - an approach apparently popular with the kids these days -provided by a gentleman by the name of George and the emo sort - another popular style - by one guitarist Wade. It's a good thing Wade joins in, as George's vox are particularly one-dimensional and irritating at times. This is due mainly to the complexities within the music as well as the potential for great hooks and melodies. The stop/start rhythm methods combine with the atmospheric, depressive mood but do not complete the amalgamation as George’s screams override the ambience.
I recall ‘Adelleda’ being a good tune with more room for colour, and the final track ‘Pulmonary Archery’ also being of high quality.
Lyrically George spits themes tainted with teen angst and fear of the future, so his vocal delivery does match his emotions. And as far as screaming goes, he can certainly hold his own. But ultimately the musical approach and the vocal delivery compete with each other, and rarely harmonize. Which is a shame as all five members come off as competent and confident young men.
In summary, Alexisonfire is not a band I’d be quick to write-off, but I’d be equally as cautious in embracing them.
by Warren Wheeler
