This is an open forum for staff members, contributers, and fans alike to submit their reviews on the latest music releases and concerts. In an industry that is drowning with overprocessed, grossly overrated, unoriginal crap these days, this is our chance to allow the real stars to shine, if only on our humble, little stage; and expose you to some of our favorite talents.
Reviews are given 1 - 5 stars.
1. Doomsday
2. Honor
3. Falling Down
4. Becoming the Bull
5. When Two Are One
6. Lose It
7. No One Cares
8. Can’t Happen Here
9. Slow Burn
10. Blow
11. Lead Sails (And a Paper Anchor)
12. [CD-Rom Track]
Ok, I admit it. I haven’t listened to much Atreyu since 2004’s The Curse. Does that make me any less qualified to speak out on their latest release, Lead Sails Paper Anchor? No. And why not? Because anyone who views music as something more than MySpace entertainment can recognize an honest musical effort when they hear it. That’s exactly what Lead Sails Paper Anchor is – Atreyu’s honest effort at seeing just what their talents can do.
Lead Sails Paper Anchor kicks off with “Doomsday,” the first song that immediately lets us know that whatever genres Atreyu decides to dabble in, the band is fully aware that a high-energy guitar intro can get anyone on their feet. “Doomsday’s” intro, however, is the complete paradox of the dark, piano piece “No One Cares” uses to say hello.
The album’s biggest disappointment, unfortunately, is the last track and the song from which it takes its title: “Lead Sails And A Paper Anchor.” I’m not quite sure what Atreyu was aiming for with this song; maybe some kind of emotional, body-swaying 80s-esque ballad? I don’t know. I do know “Lead Sails And A Paper Anchor” signs off with what sounds like a high school boy’s choir led by a young, vocally undeveloped Ozzy Osbourne.
Yet, if you suckers for nostalgia can sit tight through it, you’re in for a treat! Atreyu chucks in a bonus track at the end of Lead Sails Paper Anchor and it’s none other than the 1990 Faith No More hit, “Epic.” While Alex Varkatzas’s slow-motion screaming is a second-rate throwback to earlier Atreyu (you know, only slower), the guys manage a decent job of pulling off the intense chorus. And, we even get the eerie piano solo at the end.
I wholeheartedly disagree with critics who brush Lead Sails Paper Anchor’s eclectic mix of sounds off as just another incongruent album. It’s no secret that Atreyu has had their fair share of criticism regarding the various sound changes they’ve made since 2002’s Fractures In The Façade Of Your Porcelain Beauty, from fans and critics alike. However, can we really blame musical artists who continue to grow and discover themselves? Can we justifiably fault musicians for tweaking their styles to reflect those growths and discoveries, claiming they’re just trying to gain more fans and find what sells? No, I don’t think so.
Reviewed by: Alicia Sparks | September 2007
