Paramore is one of those bands that I like in theory, but not so much in execution. "Misery Business," off their last album, Riot! kicked so much ass that it was unbelievable.
But as amazing Hayley Williams is as role model for young girls (being more than just some cute little thing backed by a bunch of guys), the songs just sound like Kelly Clarkson. While I've nothing against Ms. Clarkson ("Since You Been Gone"? Stone cold fucking jam, for serious), there's nothing that really makes Brand New Eyes stand out beyond anything else on the market right now. "There's no need to apologize/I've got no time for feeling sorry" is a couplet from "Feeling Sorry," and it pretty much typifies the whole making up, coming to terms with stardom thing that No Doubt explored much better in the three or four minutes of the "Don't Speak" video.
Dethklok is a fake band that became a real band. Like the Archies, but with songs about killing people. Their first album, Dethalbum, was simultaneously a send-up of most metal cliches, while at the same time a pretty solid metal record. This time...with Dethalbum II, the music is pretty cliched. The songs are a little too monotone, and with the exception of "The Cyborg Slayers," don't really offer anything that seems like a sense of humor about what's going on. In addition, "I Tamper With The Evidence At The Murder Site Of Odin" sounds vocally similar to Disturbed, and that is never, ever a good thing.
Much in the same vein, Agents of the Underground, the new album from Strung Out, is just more of the same. It's melodic hardcore, and I've always liked the hardcore part of the genre more than the melodic part. The band was fairly influential -- you can hear where bands like Rise Against got their sound, but sweetly crooned vocals over roughshod guitars has never been my cup of tea. Occasionally, like when Jason Cruz spits out the vocals at the beginning of "Carcrashradio," I can get into it, but for the most part, the sing-along pop vocals on songs like "Ghetto Heater" just sound like New Found Glory trying to be tough.
MP3: Strung Out, "Black Crosses"
MP3: Strung Out, "Vanity"
As a matter of fact, I think the only new album this week that I did like is the one that I thought I wouldn't like: the Avett Brothers' I and Love and You. After my first listen, I was slightly let down. It wasn't as instantly gripping as Emotionalism, and the title track that opens the album would be the closer on most records. The songs have, for the most part, a sparseness to them, letting the vocal harmonies do the work. This album resembles nothing so much as the best work that the singer-songwriter gods of the '70s did, like Elton John's Honky Chateau or George Harrison's All Things Must Pass.
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You know some humorless assholes would make the argument that you're definitely not a real metal fan if you like a cartoon band. But I think we all agree that such arguments suck the fun out of life, right?
I agree with Bryan. If you even mention paramore and Kelly Clarkson being good (No offense to them)you are definitely not a metal fan no matter how much merchandise you buy. The Dethalbum II is different than there first, but still brutal and amazing!
I love all kinds of music, and I think that Kelly Clarkson rocks! I am not familiar with Dethklok, but I don't think the lead singer of Paramore is all that talented. Just my opinion.
@Nick: I wrote a comment on another review today which shared a similar view as your own. I'm going to tweak it and repost here it because I believe this album deserves a counterpoint.
"Dethalbum II" feels much more technical than the original. That comes with it's own Yin and Yang. Technical quality has improved but it does lack that raw feel of "The Dethalbum." Still, I really like this album. It's a good progression for Smalls and hopefully "Dethalbum III" can combine both aspects.
I disagree with your statement that "The songs are a little too monotone." Give it time, the tracks will grow on you. The opening track, "Bloodlines", has a catchy rhythm and a nice breakdown. "Black Fire Upon Us" has a great pounding intro composition and melody that sticks with you. "The Cyborg Slayers" is a fun track with a Snakes 'n' Barrels feel to it. I agree that "I Tamper with the Evidence at the Murder Site of Odin" definitely sticks out. My first thought was - Mega Man. For fans of the first album, you'll love "Murmaider II: The Water God". It's a fun lyrical sequel to the original "Murmaider" and it uses many of the same melodies and rhythms of the original song.
I think it may be too early to appreciate it for what it is, but if Dethklok keeps on dishing out brutal tracks I think this album will be a great reference to when the talent really started to explode.
@Bryan: Saw Dethklok's first tour with Trail of Dead. Own deluxe Dethalbum, and both seasons of the show. Staring at huge-ass Dethklok poster on my wall.
Still bored.
Not possible, Bryan. EVERYONE likes Kelly Clarkson. Including you. Admit it!
I'm impressed with that Avett track. Are they all that good?
I've listened to Dethklok's new one a few times. It's ok. It's not taking things anywhere new, but it's solid and it's fun. Stil, I agree with Nick, the first was better, and Dethalbum II does get a little monotone. I still plan on being at the Uptown show.
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