Review
by Robert Gonzalez
Staff Writer
Soak
(Interscope/Rainmaker Records)
Many bands that are trying to make it big choose alternative rock of some kind as their fortés. It is, in my humble opinion, the easiest genre to succeed in.
Think about it. The majority of clubs in the Houston area cater to rock bands. You have very few jazz, blues or Latin clubs in the city. Rock clubs by far outnumber all the rest.
But back to the topic at hand. Most bands choose alternative rock because of its popularity as a genre in general. Soak, whichrecently released its self-titled album, chose a different route. They went back to basics.
"Basics? What in the world is this guy talking about?" you might ask. By basics, I mean good, clean rock and metal. Nothing fancy, just good old Metallica, Iron Maiden, Boston and Aerosmith.
This music truly depicts the '60s and '70s. Soak does not come out and try to deafen you with mindless music. Along with this, there is a message behind the lyrics.
This is most evident in the tune "Clover," which discusses the everyday dangers we are inflicting upon our environment and the dangers we pose to ourselves.
"Aphrodight" is funk rock from the '70s that closely resembles the Commodores' "Brick House." Not only do these boys have a good, clean sound, lead singer Jason Demetri can actually be understood when singing.
This Texas-based band just overwhelms its listeners with intense and aggressive music. "Shutter Gut" is a tune dedicated to the fairer sex. And, as is the case in the song of the same title, "Caroline, oh Caroline" ends up breaking the poor man's heart. Well, that's life, bud.
For some strange reason, some of the songs resemble the style of Jethro Tull. Also, the distortion on the guitars is not overdone - the guitar chords being strummed can be heard clearly.
Soak has 12 songs on its first release, so if you are tired of alternative rock and are looking for something different, go ahead and Soak up some of these jams.
Muse: Arcana
(Lava/Atlantic Records)
When I first began to listen to Muse's second album, I could not believe how much lead singer Paul Isaac sounded like Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins. I do not know whether they should be praised or condemned as imitators.
The first track off Arcana, called "Sublime," is truly Squish Squash style. Everything about this band is similar to the Pumpkins. Isaac's wailing, almost whiny voice could easily be mistaken for Corgan's.
I'm curious if these guys realize how much they resemble Squish Squash. On a positive note, another tune, "Rubylions 2000 Years," is almost of Beatles caliber. I guess the best way to describe this song is a combination of the Rolling Stones' "Ruby Tuesday" and the Beatles' infamous "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds."
I don't mean to beat a dead horse, but even the dark lyrics are similar to Corgan's moody and depressing style. "Star" is a sweet little love tune about a dude who worships and would do anything for a woman who does not care for him. Join the club, buddy.
"In the Middle of a Dream" totally lures the listener into a deep depression. Other tracks dealing with that wondrous issue of love are "Believe" and "Karyanne."
"Pretty Things" is just good, clean rock music. The singer can actually be understood and is not drowned out by the band. There are no massive guitar riffs or extra drum activity.
If you dig alternative rock and adore the Smashing Pumpkins, then Muse will definitely amuse you.