 Something
Underground
"Slides" CD
Self-Released
Genres: rock/pop, rock, soul
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the band
Jul 21 - 27 2003 |
Something
Underground is a new rock band from Colorado that plays nice,
pleasant pop music and tours the local scene frequently. Slides,
their new album, is a ten song sample of their sound, and it succeeds
in being very well-produced and catchy. There is nothing new or
particularly original on this album, but it's still a very solid
release. The style of music that Something Underground excels at is
emotional rock. Songs like "Far Away" and "Nice
Guys" are familiar sounding, but very well done; the latter
features a piano part that really helps to build the mood. "Nice
Guys" especially has a very epic quality to it; the band has executed their
idea flawlessly - it feels like it could be the soundtrack to the climax of a
suspense movie. Meanwhile, they pull off slightly Jamiroquai-esque
numbers in "Drugz" and "Rely" that also work well.
That isn't to say all their tunes are winners. The opener, "Sick
& Tired," uses their occasional funk influence (usually
limited to just a slippery bassline or guitar squall) too explicitly,
going for a full-on jam band-style number. Fine, it's an okay tune,
but it doesn't fit with Slides' other rock repertoire.
Overall, this album gets points for songwriting and delivery, but
loses them for the lack of originality. If you're into melodic rock as
you may hear it on "alternative" radio, then I urge you to
check out this band for a taste of something a bit more underground.
Don't be surprised if they get signed to a major label record contract
someday, it's a clear possibility. I just wonder what they'll change
their name to...
83%
Matt Shimmer [Vitals:
10 tracks, distributed by CD
Baby, released 2003] |
