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. Say This Sooner
2. Drive There Now
3. Dirty And Left Out
4. I Mostly Copy Other People
5. Southern Weather
6. Stop It
7. Amazing Because It Is
8. Everyone Here Smells Like A Rat
9. Never Say ‘I Told You So’
10. Call Back When I’m Honest
11. Everything That Makes Me Sick
Southern Weather for Any Reason
Aaron Gillespie is the man behind The Almost, the Salt Lake City, Utah-based Christian rock band, whose debut set of blistering alternative rock tunes comprise Southern Weather. Taking a cue from Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl, Gillespie steps out from behind the drum kit and shows the music world he’s more than the drummer for Underoath. He’s also one hell of a songwriter, guitar player, bass player and lead vocalist, as evidenced by his playing almost all the instruments (yes, including drums) on the Aaron Sprinkle (Pedro the Lion) produced album. Much like the heat of actual southern weather, its musical namesake rarely lets up.
The first single, “Say this Sooner,” leads the charge in a driving fury of drums under muted guitars, while the chorus builds up to a sonic explosion of guitars highlighted by bold lyrics like “no one will see ever see things the way I do/no one will try.” This is only the beginning of what is seemingly heart-on-a-sleeve, pull-no-punches lyrics delivered from Gillespie’s voice, which ranges from smooth and quiet to gritty and unapologetic with the ease of a chord change.
On “Dirty and Left Out,” the album slows down for what lyrically seems to be prayer for forgiveness over an expressive slow, swaying melody. With lines like, “There’s something about your name/Master, saviour, Jesus,” Gillespie gives the listeners the first obvious glimpse into his faith.
I remember thinking that “I Mostly Copy Other people,” in both its music and Gillespie’s vocal styling, reminded me of something The Starting Line might write, or a tune by Boys Night Out from their Trainwreck CD. Neither of these comparisons are negative, and it turns out Kenny Vasoli of The Starting Line actually contributes both bass and vocals to the hard-hitting rock song, which is one of album’s best.
The title track rips into the listener with furious guitar riff reminiscent of early Foo Fighters, played on top of pounding drums, and urges the listener to “blame it on this southern weather” and “blame me for everything.” The bottom drops out of the song about two and half minutes in and repeats the chorus supported only by a piano, proving once again that Gillespie not only has a knack for honest lyrics, but is in the process of proving himself one of this year’s most prolific songwriters with an ear for dynamics and thematic variation with his musical arrangements.
“Amazing Because It Is” begins as an acoustic guitar driven track highlighting Gillespie’s vocals. The chorus utilizes the words to “Amazing Grace” set to a melody that is all his own. The second time around, Gillespie is accompanied by a chorus of people, a youth group he turned to, in singing the inspirational hymn. A drum fill signals the rhythm section to join in and the song concludes.
The last couple tracks bring Southern Weather to a fast paced, in-your-face conclusion. “Call Back When I’m Honest” has a memorable guitar riff, a catchy chorus accentuated by quick, heavy hitting snare drum bursts and some of the fiercest drum fills that Southern Weather has to offer. “Everything That Makes Me Sick” is a three minute nugget of rock gold with both an intro and quick mid-song breakdown that somehow brings the beginning of the Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields Forever” to mind, but just as quickly brings the listener back into the musical present.
Southern Weather took me a couple listens to fully appreciate, and I am still in awe that one man put these songs together, both in the writing and the performing. This is one album that deserves to be played loud and often, as it could very well rank as one of this year’s best.
Catch The Almost out on tour right now and at Warped tour over the summer.
Reviewed by: Ryan Labbe | April 2007
