Close But No Cigar
From the very beginning of this song the connection between the guitar, bass and drums gives an almost Led Zeppelin feel
to the song. The first verse lends itself well to the vocals as the other instruments hold back to really let
the voice shine through, with the guitar and bass playing riffs that resemble the intro. The chorus really lets the
whole band shine as the syncopation of the guitar, drums and bass gives a good solid base to prop up the vocals. The
guitar solo has a very good structure with the chorus riffs being played and the guitar pulling off some good fast paced
licks, which in some places almost resemble the vocals. The breakdown section almost seems a little lost as the whole
song seems to drop down a notch, yet the samples give it a satisfying trance like sound. The double layered vocals in
the final chorus really help push the song to the final crescendo.
Overload
The intro to this song has a good feel with the guitar, bass and vocals all playing similar notes. The verse has
a fun slap bass line with a similar guitar riff, and the doubled up vocals help to make the vocals really stand out.
The chorus vocals are used well by varying the intro lyrics. The pauses in the second verse work well as they catch
the listener off guard. The solo has a really deep, gutsy guitar tone accompanying the more intricate, vocal resembling
lead break.
Lonely At The Top
Another fun, bluesy, Led Zeppelin intro, the solo bass works well with the phased in guitar. The verse vocals help
keep the quick pace of the song going, with the chorus slowing down and stretching notes. The harmony of the vocals
is wonderful. The intro riff re-entering keeps the pace of the song going, and then everything stops and leaves the
vocals to really prove themselves, which they do. The improvised bass outro gives a pleasing end to the song, maybe
needing a final punch from the whole band to really finish it off.
Cut Loose
The beginning of this song is a real pleaser, with the melancholy intro leading into a really dirty sounding, almost
Darkness like riff-led second section. The verse vocals are really satisfying with a very pleasing aura about them,
leading into a fantastic chorus with hard hitting punches and more wonderful vocals. The breakdown section is a real
treat to listen to with the experimental guitar sounds really giving the song a fun yet dark edge.
Lost At Sea
Very mellow intro that seems to feel as though it is holding a dark secret maybe? The vocals really stand out in
the verse then there is a slightly odd break with the guitar and bass performing some slightly out of place harmonies.
This section is then recovered with the whole band coming together for the wonderful chorus. The second verse is
again very similar to the first yet the lyrics begin to express a sort of anger. Then the guitar harmony section
comes about again, losing the feel of the song but once again the swaying sounding chorus saves it. Wonderful vocal
breaks in the outro with some calm ocean samples. The harmony section reappears but it doesn't seem as out of place
in the outro as it did within the song.
Review by Lucas Shead