With a few more spins under my belt, here are some updated thoughts.
I'm not too technical but I agree that the production is a bit "lifeless" at parts. I wish it sounded more dynamic. Brendan O'Brien is missed, but if bringing him in costs millions of dollars, I can easily understand why that's not an option. Like I said, I don't want to dwell on technical issues too much as I'd probably be talking out of my butt most of the time. All in all, it still sounds fresh and alright for the most part.
Most importantly, they sound like they are enjoying it, there's plenty of good songs (while some weaker too), there is creativity and Jeff Gutt really fits in. All four them bring their best to table. Rob's bass tells stories as always and on each song there's something cool going on. "Good Shoes", "Art of Letting Go" and "Roll Me Under" are just some of his best bass work on the record.
Dean shines on many tunes. If we are to look at just solos then "Meadow", "Thought She'd Be Mine" and "Reds & Blues" come to mind. His playing throughout on "Good Shoes" is just amazing.
Eric serves the songs as always. I didn't want any drum solos. Maybe I agree with some of the sound issues someone just pointed out.
Jeff Gutt. Well, he's the man for the job. He has range. He can handle the rockers but he really shines on the softer stuff. I hope with time there's some more personality in his lyrics. Otherwise I'm satisfied with him, considering it's his first album. There are many creative melodies that don't take the easiest route. He just has a great voice. I like him especially on "Meadow", "Thought She'd Be Mine", "Art of Letting Go", "Good Shoes" and "Middle of Nowhere".
As far as the songwriting goes I think there are too many songs that try to cram too much into one song and there are a few songs that are packed with good ideas, that don't really work in the end. More specifically, the songs change direction too much for their own good. More on that in the song-by-song. Otherwise it's all fine and dandy, I mean most of the songs are really good and even the lowest lows aren't THAT low.
Stylistically I wish there's been at least one really heavy song in the spirit of Core. I mean not necessarily an aggressive song, but something with sledgehammer, mountain-size guitars like "Wicked Garden" or "Where the River Goes". Maybe a real epic to close the album too? Oh well, can't have it all.
Here's my song-by-song review:
10 (Masterpiece, something that for me matches a Plush or Interstate Love Song)
9 (Great, basically something I'd put on a "Best of"; compilation. Something I feel I wil definitely spin years
from now and still appreciate greatly.)
7-8 (Good, solid STP but nothing that I'd really consider their best. Perhaps potential growers or on the
other hand, songs that I might care less for later.
5-6 (Okay, but will probably not listen to these more than on the rare occasion. Feel the songs are partly
alright but somehow fall flat in the end)
3-4 (Forgettable. Not awful, but just songs that feel like filler, like they're too generic maybe, don't awake
any feeling or I just straight up don't like how they go)
1-2 Well, luckily there were none that truly sucked here
Middle of Nowhere 7/10
Interesting how much it sounds like "Sucker Train Blues" in parts. Anyway, I think this song just grabs me. It
is a fitting high octane opener with pace, with all four showing off some decent chops. But in particular I
really like what Jeff does on this song. Cool tones. Arrangement-wise, unlike some of the new tunes, I feel
like this one has a nice flow, where all the parts fit together really well. At the end of the day, maybe not
my preferred type of rock song stylistically, but this one is simply quite alright.
Guilty 3/10
It’s just too generic for its own good. Listening to the verse, I have to check if it’s ‘Black Heart’ I’m listening
to. Don’t like it. Jeff’s pretty good again in the pre-chorus and chorus where the style changes, but overall
this just does nothing to me. It feels directionless and just like “okay, we need a pre-chorus here, a chorus
here, I have no inspiration so I’ll just google typical alternative rock song structure”.
Meadow 9/10
This song simply kicks ass. It’s so fun and full of energy. Very uplifting. Gutt’s vocals are perfect here, so
spot on, gritty, powerful. Great solo from Dean too. I love the ooze of confidence. It’s just “let’s just crank it
up to ten and let it rip, mother****ers”.
Just a Little Lie 6/10
I like the quirky guitar riff, the groove, the slight 70’s prog feel and the trippy-ness. There’s great ideas all
over, but somehow the song is not really there, you know. The verse is exciting but then the chorus feels a
bit forced or that it doesn’t fit with the rest of the song. It’s a slightly psychedelic song, which I like, but I
just wish they could’ve dug a little deeper in that psychedelia.
Six Eight 4/10
Same problem as the song before. The chorus just comes in, in an awkward way and I don’t think it’s any
good. Good ideas, but the song isn’t really there. I don’t know why so many of these songs have this
awkward feeling of two or more songs squeezed into one, when others just work so seamlessly. Which
reminds me of….
Thought She’d Be Mine 9/10
….Best song on the album. Simple but effective, serene, captivating. Beautiful slide guitar (reminds me a bit
off of “Heroes” by David Bowie). Brilliant vocals.
Roll Me Under 5/10
The chorus starts off quite similar to “Six Eight”, but here it actually fits. I like the grit and sheer power in
Jeff’s voice during the chorus. I can see people digging this live. Not a huge fan of the lyrics or the melodies.
Leaves me a bit cold, but I have actually began to appreciate it more than when I first heard it.
Never Enough 3/10
Weakest track on the record. I like the Roadhouse Blues vibe, but why do they have to change direction so
much once again? A song can change and have different moods sure, but that in itself, when ill-fitting,
doesn’t bring much added value. I mean one second it’s Roadhouse Blues, then it’s the most clichéd slow
part ever in “No, it’s never enough…” and before you know it you are in Green Day land “Throw away your
anarchy”.
Art of Letting Go 8/10
Very good ballad and I don’t think it’s easy to write these songs without making them too sugary. Jeff
shines again here. I like the lyrics, the reflectiveness and the solo is killer. A certain Scott comes to mind
during the verses, and that’s only a good thing.
Finest Hour 8/10
Knowing that it’s directly about their fallen comrades, makes me appreciate it more. There’s a nice feel
throughout, quite serene and peaceful. One of my favorites on the record for sure.
Good Shoes 9/10
Groovy. Killer bassline, sick guitars and Jeff fits the song like a glove. Sexy. I think this one can be great live!
Reds & Blues 8/10
This song is chill. I think there are some drug references in this one, no? I think this could be a grower.
Reminds me a little of Incubus. Some McCartney vibes in the bridge, which I love. This is a nice Sunday
afternoon lazy song.
The record is a worthy addition to the catalog!
Bonus tracks:
Already Gone
Catchy, full of energy. Fun riff. Could see this as a radio hit. I'd give it 8/10
Forget Forever
Yeah, it's catchy but a little meh. Too repetitive. Has kind of a soft country vibe. Gives me some Stereophonics vibes but also some Kid Rock vibes. Could have it the background on a hot summer day. It's okay I guess 6/10