Comments:
What the hell is the matter with a good ole’ fashion rock n’
roll band? If you remotely identify with that last comment, in the
world of dozens of different genres in rock and metal, then Blackline
is here to save the day. This Boston, Mass. based hard rock band is
all about melodies but manage to make it hard enough for metal heads
to want to pay attention.
The
band they sound the most like is the Jim Matheos project OSI, which
is pretty heady company. The record is short at only 40 minutes long
and consists of cool, well written tracks that call for toe tapping
and beer guzzling. OK, ale guzzling to be more precise. They have
songs that could be played on popular rock radio stations across the
country and really are perfect for fans of rock or metal. They all
are ideal for singing along and this record flows very well from start
to finish.
The
only negative is that the songs do not stand out but seem to blend
together in a 40-minute jam band amalgamation. But that fact can be
spinned into an advantage by simply putting this disc in when going
for a drive. Surely you will get to your destination in a good mood
and wondering how you got there so fast.
As
for specifics, the lead singer Steven Slate is blessed with a tremendous
range, sounding much like Eddie Vedder on the track “The Sands”
one minute and almost as deep as Chris Cornell the next on “Run.”
The guitars of Ross Pitto slam and soar but always stay focused on
delivering the perfect melody to make the song whole. The drums of
Jerry Lyons are spirited and motivational throughout especially on
the first cut “Through It.”
The
best cut is probably the slow, deliberate, take it easy track “Open”
where the guitars pound hard on the chorus but chill the rest of the
way. Another contender is “Repent,” where a tiny riff is
sung over by the amazing voice of Slate in an early ‘90s style.
Bass played by Lance Cauzey is highlighted on “Superone”
and sounds a bit like Perfect Circle here. Besides singing his ass
off, Slate also produced this album, an the production quality is
impeccable.
The
truth is, if this band does not become popular, then talent has nothing
to do with the formula.
Band
Members:
Ross Pitto – Guitars
Lance Cauzey – Bass
Jerry Lyons – Drums
Steven Slate – Vocals
Track
listing:
Through It
Open
Armageddon Soul
Repent
Superone
The Sands
Run
Knees
Battlecase
Why
Wherever
HRH
Rating: 8/10
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