I said I would give this one last try once the official release came out, but I'm sorry to say I still just can't talk myself into this.
Out of Time - Still sounds hastily put together to me. The DeLeo's wanted the world to know they dumped Scott and they wanted it to know NOW. Unfortunately, it shows. This song is quite clumsy, which is a shame because it contains the best music on the entire album, with the exception of Dean's solo, which sounds like a rough draft of his Take a Load Off solo. The pre-chorus is vintage STP, and the only real reason I tuned in to the EP at all. However, Chester stomps all over the rest of this one with some over the top angsty vocals. The lyrics are complete mind trash as well. I'm not convinced Chester penned them, since they sure do sound like a shot at Scott, but they're bad. This song is really missing the finesse that Scott brings to the table.
Black Heart - Probably the best song on the album, and surprisingly, this is all due to Chester. The music here is completely lackluster. It's almost shocking how much the DeLeos phoned it in on this one. Where are the signature funky chords and progressions I'm used to hearing from these guys? The inventive transitions and accents? Don't get me wrong, this song is catchy as hell, but this is what I come to Franz Ferdinand or Jet for, not STP. It's a guilty pleasure at best, but I'll hand it to Chester, he channels that retro rock n roll feel quite nicely here.
Same on the Inside - Didn't Chester write this song already?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLHpvjrFpe0.
It's fine, I guess. Again, nothing all that interesting musically, with the exception of that great little run Rob goes on at the end. But one snazzy bassline a song does not make. It reminds me of all the things I liked about Linkin Park when I was in middle school, but not so much anymore.
Cry Cry - There are some big fans of this song on this board, but I just don't see it. I think it's the worst song on the album. I really don't have much to say about it. Those "yeah yeah yeah"'s are painful.
Tomorrow - God, don't you wish Scott was singing this one? Such a vintage Scott Weiland melody. I give Chester credit for even drawing that comparison, but he still just sounds angsty and doesn't contrast well with the DeLeos music. It's the same feeling I got listening to Same on the Inside, it took me back to middle school, but not in a good way. It kind of feels like going back to your old girlfriend after you've been dating a better looking one for years just because she's moved back to your city and it's convenient
I almost wish Chester would try and emulate Scott more. Almost. It just sounds like the lead singer of Linkin Park singing over STP music. Watching videos of Chester with Camp Freddy, I was praying we'd see some of that versatility on the EP. Unfortunately, it looks like for the most part (save Black Heart) he's sticking to his roots and sounding like the same guy he was in LP. Which is fine, he's still a hell of a singer, I just wish he'd do the bigger and better things I know he can do. Maybe with a bit more time with the DeLeo bros and Kretz he can let the beast out of its cage, but I just don't see it yet.
4/10
