The Chorus Music Club Society • Page 189

I completely agree!

 

okay @nickyeatworld gave me Happiness by Hurts and the Tesla Boy ep by Tesla Boy

Hurts
for some reason Spotify only had the deluxe edition and didn't have one of the songs but I was able to find it on Youtube and just listened to the standard album tracks
I like Theo's voice a lot and the mood on this was cool
standout tracks- Wonderful Life,Blood Tears And Gold, Stay,Evelyn

Tesla Boy
I liked the disco vibe on this
standout tracks- Electric Lady,Neon Love,Runaway Man

 

Alright. Its time for the moment that a few of you have been waiting all week for. Somehow this week, I was given three Sevendust albums, so I decided it only made sense to review all three of them at once to keep them together. First up I will review the one given to me by @Davjs

CMCS SEVENDUST EXTRAVAGANZA- THREE ALBUMS, THREE DECADES

Animosity

The very first exposure to a band is always important. You may change your mind on them with repeat listens or checking out their later work, but a first impression is always a hard thing to shake. Going in to this album, especially knowing I had THREE of their albums this week, I was a bit concerned not knowing what I was about to get myself into. And then I hit play on this album. The first track, 'T.O.A.B' starts off ambient and soft for a few seconds, until about twenty seconds in. Then it explodes and its all out war from there on out. Pure alternative bliss is the first thing you hear when this song starts off, and it is one hell of an intro track taking me right back to its time of 2001. Taproot, Chevelle, Mudvayne. These are the type of acts that first came to mind when I heard this intro track. Admittedly a little past the heavy barrier than my normal choices of music, but not quite outside of my wheel house.

Second track 'Praise' was what really sold me on this album. A single guitar kicks the song off before it explodes once that catchy, head banging chorus comes in. This is a song of a flawed, yet strong person taking a stand for themselves, and the music matches this emotive lyric weaving 100%, with double bass and roaring drums, shredding guitars, and explosive screams. This song was the one that let me know that I could really and truly get into this album. When it carried right into the almost Breaking Benjamin sounding 'Trust', it was solidified. This is a type of radio rock, which I have always hated that term by the way, that stands out above most of the other groups called by that genre label. These songs are heavy hitters, plain and simple. There is something for everyone in these songs, and you can hear elements of these 2001 songs that you would hear other bands emulating later in the 2000s, sometimes not nearly as well as these guys do. These songs will make you want to get up and mosh, they are a punch to the damn teeth that you want to just get into. The heavy rocker inside of you is born again while listening to these songs. This is not to say they don't switch it up on you every once in a while. The fifth track on the album 'Xmas Day' stands out and sounds totally different than the preceding tracks and the ones that follow; with its extremely passionate vocals and well crafted and more reigned in guitars, it won its place as my favorite song on the album as well because of the insane vocal prowess on this track; though he nails it for the whole album really. There are many good songs on this album; 'Shine', 'Follow', 'Damaged', 'Live Again' is my favorite stretch on the album with each of these songs being great rockers, Follow which is more along the lines of Xmas Day with guitars being less of the focal for most of the songs and the vocals being filled with powerful emotion.

This album is a great rocker, all the way from its opening to the stellar closing track 'Angel's Son' which is one of the more somber(as somber as this album gets) songs on here and does the job well. This album has power. Power in its shredding rocking guitars, power in its hefty and thumping drums, and power in the vocal prowess of its front man whether it be softer sung lyrics or rage inducing screaming ones. If you are a fan of any of the bands I compared it to through this review, I recommend picking this album up for a try. You will find yourself losing control and feeling like there is a mosh pit going on in the middle of your living room or car. Highly recommend this album. Recommended tracks: 'Praise', 'Trust', 'Xmas Day', 'Shine', 'Follow', 'Live Again', 'Angels Son'.
8.5/10

And now onto the two given to me by @Nate_Johnson

Sevendust(Self Titled)


Here we go back to the beginning. After delving into the greatness of Animosity, I was given the chance to listen to the band's debut selftitled album Sevendust from 1997. Immediately from the beginning of my listens of this album, I knew I was in for a different beast than I heard on Animosity. The intro track for this one, 'Black' was a shredding guitar masterpiece way to start off an album with some nice vocal work that only faulted in needing to be turned up a bit louder, still not bad for a 1997 album. I was curious to see the beginning of this band to compare it to how it became Animosity, but that would be unfair of this album. To review this one properly, I have to take it back to the start and look at it on its own right.

This album almost falls into a different genre than the one I reviewed prior, being more in the garage metal and grunge areas of rock, but still containing that sound that lets you know its Sevendust. I must also note that there are some dark and heavy topics in some of these songs ranging from depression and drug addiction to the deep inner works of a deranged psyche. The music, of course reflects this, in songs like 'Terminator' which features some shredding and heavy guitars that literally thump in your ears. The chorus is grating on first listens, but I found myself really digging it on repeat listens. Also any song named after one of my favorite movie series is going to get a pass by me. 'Too Close To Me' is one of my favorites on the album, featuring some of the heavier moments on the entire album and yet some of the cooler effects on the albums and the more reserved vocals as odd as that is. "And now I feel it in my head, again." is a repeated line at one point of this song, as the dark guitars and atmosphere of this song dig into the torn psyche of a man broken, perhaps with some sort of mental illness. Again, my one qualm with this album is the vocals volume; which is not the fault of the band but more so what they were working with in 1997. I had to read the lyrics more often than I wanted to because I had trouble hearing them. But when the lyrics click, they really click.

This album was a good debut for them, I can see that much is evident just from listening to it even on the first time. I am glad I listened to Animosity first though, as I would have been less likely to listen to this as many times as I did if this was my first exposure to them. Its not bad, it has some amazing guitar work that you don't hear all that much these days, some really cool effects that go with the songs, and some killer songs like 'Wired', or a song like 'My Ruin' which is just down right haunting in its lyrics and sound while still kicking ass. Its not as strong of an entry as Animosity, but sometimes a band gets better with age. If these reviews make you check this band out, I would perhaps recommend this one as the last one you listen to. It deserves to be respected, and its great, but its not the strongest.
Stand out tracks: 'Black', 'Terminator', 'Too Close To Hate', 'Wired', 'Will It Bleed', 'My Ruin'.
7/10

Cold Day Memory


Seeing the return of original guitarist Clint Lowry, this 2010 album is much more progressed than both the debut self titled and Animosity. This album had a different feel to it as soon as I heard the literally amazing shredding intro of 'Splinter', the opening track that has some amazing opening guitar shreds. This album has a different sound to it, which is evident as soon as you hear that first song. Its more refined this time around, and they have traded in some of the heaviness of their sound for an increase in the catchiness. This is not to say that this album is overly soft by any means, but by the time second track 'Forever' begins, you can tell they are trying something new this time around and it kind of actually works.

'Forever' is a banger of a song. That intro guitar lets you know it means business, as does the chorus' amazing shreds. This also features one of the more catchy choruses I have heard on these three albums, with the anger and aggression of Animosity pouring in with a song about bidding someone farewell while showing them the middle finger with lyrics like "So go, now find yourself. You're selfish, condescending. You and me are now forever (forever). So go play God in someone else's life, 'Cause you and me are now forever (forever dead)" these lyrics will strike a nerve with someone who has been through a tough relationship whether it be with a spouse, friend, or relative. They are more polished on this album, from guitars to vocals to drums. Lead single 'Unraveling' is a terrific choice, it was a huge stand out for me before I even knew that it was the single. The chorus is powerful and anthemic, dealing with a relationship that could have been fantastic but is now unraveling. The instruments on this song are at their best on the album and the song just feels massive, they knew what they were doing picking this song. You will find yourself singing along with this head banger, and by the time you reach that catchy as hell chorus you will be singing along. 'Karma' stars off with a super interesting effect, and the intro guitar is probably the most unique way to start a song these guys have done on the three albums I heard; while the rest of the song is just as strong lyrically and musically as you would expect from them. This song reigns as maybe my favorite song by them. The verses are absolutely beautiful, and the chorus is one that doesn't just pull at your heart strings like the verses does, it slams its fist through your chest and yanks the damn thing out while head banging. Unraveling through Karma is an amazing stretch of three songs, a 1-2-3 punch. Strength like these three isn't seen again though until you reach 'The End Is Coming'. Starting off with some cool electro effects before taking off at full speed, this song has everything from amazing instrumentals both soft and lullaby like as well as heavy and shredding, cool and rhythmic drumming, and beautiful vocals and lyrics along with powerful yells. Another high point. "THE END IS COMING!!" that belting line had me screaming with it more than once.

This album has a more polished and refined Sevendust than the previous efforts I experienced. Their sound has evolved, but they kept the passion and what makes them who they are. This is Sevendust for the 2010s. One thing I could tell listening to these three albums all in one week is that whatever the decade was, Sevendust knew what they were doing with that sound. They did not make music to trend ride, but they used what was available to them in those decades to the best of their ability. This is the most accessible of the three albums; its not the best I think that goes to Animosity, however this is damn close and I would probably show this one to someone first as its easier to digest in this day in age to a lot of people. Stand out tracks: 'Forever', 'Unraveling', 'Karma' ''The End Is Coming', 'Strong Arm Broken'
8/10




CONCLUSION

This band has a grasp on what they are in each period of their career through these three decades, through these three albums. The albums themselves are great, all with notable songs and not a single song where I wanted to hit the skip button. Each song had its own merit, its own powerful life. Aggression and expression of rage and letting loose are some of the key emotions that first come to mind when listening to this band, but when you delve into the lyrics there is much more beneath the surface. This is not a shallow band, by any means. From grunge metal, to radio metal and tinges of alternative and nu metal with lyrics dealing with very human emotions and no perfect characters, they are a bit more complex when really studied. I will revisit these albums, and most likely be delving into the rest of their discography when I get a chance. Good recommendations you guys.

 

Awesome reviews and I am glad you enjoyed them. You forgot to mention how awesome Lajon is as a front man! Haha! You also can’t forget Morgan on Drums. That guy is a beast!

 

It's so beautiful

 

Hey book worms

My buddy @theagentcoma has a book club going here on Chorus. Basically theyre going to be reading a huge 10-book high fantasy series called ‘The Malazan Book of the Fallen’ by Steven Erikson. It's got a reputation for being a difficult but very rewarding read, and the fan base is fiercely devoted. They will be reading an allotted amount each week. Book one is called Gardens of the Moon and they’ll begin tomorrow. The first week of reading will be chapters 1-3 and will go from March 5th-11th.

They got a thread and a Goodreads group going so anyone is welcome to join. So if you want to read along with some friends check them out.
Malazan Book of The Fallen Book Club (Mar 5th)

 

this post looks familiar!

 

thanks for the sick plug m8

 

Thanks guys. I really tried to tie them all together in that

 

I listened to Cecil Frena courtesy of @bachna84

Cecil Frena - The Gridlock

I had never heard of Cecil Frena prior to this recommendation, so I went in not knowing what to expect. I ended up liking it! It has this electropop thing going on but it's experimental and that added a layer of interest for me. The first time I listened to it I was at the gym and it was upbeat and interesting enough to motivate me on the treadmill lol. I thought the lyrics were good and relatable but not too corny. Sometimes lyrics ppl find relatable are kinda cheesy to me cause I'm a heartless robot, but these werent. All of my Heroes, I Believe in Dancing, Inertia, and Good Grades were prob my fave. I also appreciated it being a 2018 release cause I'm slacking on my new releases!

 

Nice write up. Sounds like you had a good time with it.

RoboKiana

 

Also it's kinda weird but I feel like all the albums I enjoy have the shortest reviews cause I never know what to say besides I liked it lol.

 

At least you’re not like

“I liked it a lot. The end”

 

"It didn't suck."

 

Sevendust only have 3 albums I can listen to these days, but those 3 are as good as that genre/era got really

 

Shame on me, I'm like three weeks behind on this and I'm surprised @JediMasterKevo182 hasn't benched me yet. I've been quite busy lately, but I have been listening to the albums recommended to me and I am here to atone for my sins.




Kicking off with @Joe4th's recommendation of Brian Fallon's Sleepwalkers. I have a spotty background with Fallon. I've heard all of the Gaslight albums and his other projects, but for the most part his songs haven't clicked with me the way they have for a lot of other folks on this site. I enjoy The '59 Sound, though I rarely revisit it. The Horrible Crowes record is great, by far my favorite thing he's done. Everything else hasn't stayed with me beyond a few listens, though I always give his albums a chance and I do enjoy them when I put them on.

Opener "If Your Prayers Don't Get to Heaven" immediately announces the album with a blend of Americana and '60s Motown. The organ, swing of the beat, fingersnaps, and background "ooh"s set the stage for Fallon's familiar weathered vocal delivery. The sound is warm and inviting, and has a live feel to it as track one ends with a wordless jam.

Lead single "Forget Me Not" follows and picks up the pace and intensity, with an infectious hook in the chorus. "Come Wander with Me" features another toe-tapping groove and another of Fallon's trademark choruses that are equal parts wordy and catchy. This could be said about almost every track on this album. Later in the album, "My Name Is the Night (Color Me Black)" is a delightful guitar-driven romp over a bouncy start-and-stop beat.

Though I enjoy the more upbeat tracks, the personal highlights for me on this album are the beautifully-written, aching, and reflective ballads. "Proof of Life," "Watson," and "See You on the Other Side" ruminate on days gone by, failed relationships, and death. Fallon navigates these issues expertly, painting heartwrenching pictures with his emotive delivery and visually descriptive lyricism.

Overall, this album didn't convert me into a Fallon fanatic, but I can't deny how well-crafted and enjoyable it is. The songwriting here is excellent and the throwback sound is pleasant and pretty unique for today's scene. I am glad that I was assigned this album so that I could spend some time actively listening to and appreciating Fallon's craft. I think this album now sits just behind Elsie at the top of my personal favorite Fallon albums.

 

I’m glad you like it! Those are some of my favorite songs too :)

I’ll be posting my thoughts about Bitter during my lunch break tomorrow (errr today for me technically)

 

A couple of weeks ago I was assigned Revis' 2003 album Places for Breathing by @nickyeatworld. Revis was an alternative/grunge band, and though this is their only album, I was familiar with a couple of their songs. In 2003 I was in high school and ravenously devouring any and all music I could get my hands on in this genre. In fact, I enjoyed the two Revis songs that I heard enough to purchase the album as a gift for my then-girlfriend, though I never heard it in full until now. She didn't care for it.

In the music community at large, Revis' main claim to fame was contributing the song "Caught in the Rain" to Daredevil: The Album. Going on a tangent here, but that soundtrack also featured Fuel's "Won't Back Down," which I will go on record as saying is a pretty kickass rock song. It also contained tracks by 12 Stones and Paloalto, two seriously underrated bands in this genre at the time.

Anyway, back to the album at hand. It opens with the aforementioned "Caught in the Rain," the band's first and highest-charting single. It features an explosive and anthemic chorus with a wall of guitars and a powerful vocal performance by frontman Justin Holman. This is a really good and infectious rock song, and stands as an equal to most of what was featured on rock radio in the early '00s. I am surprised that this song did not gain more traction at the time and lead Revis to a more successful career.

The next tracks "Your Wall" and "Spin" are a bit heavier, with faster guitars and a rougher vocal delivery in the verses. Most of the songs on the album have these big, powerful, catchy, and anthemic choruses that were popular in rock at the time. Growing up with this style of music, I really enjoyed it. I found that the choruses were getting stuck in my head on repeat listens.

"Seven" is the fourth track on the album and was the second and final single. This song showcases a softer side of the band with another skillful vocal performance that is expressive in both the quiet and loud segments. "Living Rooms" stands out as a pure acoustic song that explodes into a full-band electric production halfway through. "Re-Use" has another big chorus and introduces some piano in the verses. The title track "Places for Breathing" also utilizes the quiet-loud dynamic to great effect. The album ends with the short acoustic "Look Right Through Me" and the surprising guitar instrumental "Family," which blends acoustic and electric guitars to create a soundscape that winds down the proceedings.

Though some songs were stronger than others, on the whole I really enjoyed my time with this album. This is right in my nostalgic wheelhouse, though it doesn't need nostalgia to stand on its own merits. This brand of energetic rock was all over in 2003, but there aren't too many bands playing this style today. These are the kinds of choruses that really do it for me - powerful, infectious, and anthemic. I know I used those words multiple times in this review, but they are by far the best descriptors I can come up with for this style and what Revis accomplishes.

I appreciate @nickyeatworld for suggesting this blast from the past and finally giving me the nudge to listen in full!

 

Alpha is awesome.

I would probably need to revisit the discography to really give a fair ranking, but I would probably put Animosity at the top with Home and Alpha close behind. It's all good though. You can't really go wrong with any 7D.

 

Yesssss so glad we have a new Cecil fan!

 

Holy crap! I love Fuel AND 12 Stones! You are bringing me back. Great review as always!

 

okay I'll be listening to Beggars by Thrice and @suicidesaints will be listening to Ritual de lo habitual by Jane's Addiction

 

I was surprised to find out that @iCarly Rae Jepsen hadn't heard any albums from Thrice, Mastodon or Metallica. So if other people need ideas for future recs...

 

Oh... I saw Taproot mentioned in that Sevendust review. Another band that goes overlooked. I love me some Taproot. Maybe I'll give someone them as a rec in the future.

 

St. Anger and Identity Crisis, got it