 |
|
| Home · Reviews · Interviews · Contests · Blog · Forums · Follow Us On Twitter |
|
by Tony Pascarella Published: May 31, 2005
Often compared to more well-known counterparts such as the Goo Goo Dolls and Matchbox Twenty, New Orleans' Better Than Ezra has made a name for themselves in the music industry. Playing radio-friendly rock, their sound can be described as wide-ranging. This especially hold true on their 2005 release, Before The Robots. Over the years, they've endured some lineup changes. Currently, the band is Kevin Griffin (vocals, guitar), Travis McNabb (drums), and Tom Drummond (bass). Original lead guitarist Joel Rundell committed suicide in 1990, before the band even began to rise to what some called the apex of their career. Three years later, with Cary Bonnecaze on drums (McNabb joined the group in 1996), they released an indie album entitled Deluxe. It took a 1995 re-release to get then noticed as a band to reckoned with. Following with releases in 1998 (How Does You Garden Grow?; and 2001's Closer, the band further entrenched their place in musical lore. Before The Robots is an ambitious comeback for the band, especially with the fast-moving industry of today. Better Than Ezra Is: Kevin Griffin (Vocals, Guitar) Tom Drummond (Bass) Travis McNabb (Drums) With a harmonized intro, Better Than Ezra starts off the album with the infectious "Burned." Flowing smoothly from verse to chorus to verse again, this song is flawlessly executed in its simplicity and instrumentation. If you want a token song about love that has a warm and fuzzy feel, it's definitely this one. "Daylight" follows, a rainy-day track that toes the line between aimless and reminiscent. Vocally, this song is solid, both in the use of imagery in the lyrics and in Kevin Griffin's voice. Guitar playing is nicely done, although not overly special. "A Lifetime" is one of the best songs on Before The Robots. A poignant tale of what some friends do to remember a girl killed in a car accident on graduation day, it catches you right in the heart and squeezes for all it's worth. Lyrical images are what make "A Lifetime" truly great; the listener feels as though he is right there grieving with Griffin. "It's Only Natural" reminds me a little bit of reggae's O.A.R. With silky vocals, the guitars simply add to the song. "Overcome" has an intro that sounds like I could have made it off 3 Doors Down's cutting room floor. While not as derivative, this song just doesn't do anything. It wants to make a statement, but instead sounds like Griffin's just whining. "Special" has some hand claps built into the backing instruments that adds a live feel to it. The guitars are nothing (pardon the pun) special, and you certainly won't fall in love with this one unless you're a diehard BTE fan. While the previous two tracks are a gaping hole on the album, "American Dream" makes a valiant attempt to patch it. Sugary sweet, this song starts a bit slow, but evolves into something you can't help but sing along to at the top of your lungs. The song deals with the rat race of life and how people can strive for so long and be reduced to nothing. Without mentioning it by name, they reference Enron, which is kind of interesting. Kevin Griffin shines on both vocals and guitar. Following is "Our Last Night," which won't have such rave reviews going for it. That singalong appeal isn't there until you hit the chorus. Instead, it serves to be inspirational. One of my favorite tracks from Before The Robots is "A Southern Thang." Chronicling the story of a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde named Sarah and Kelly, this song furiously battles its way into your brain to the point that you'll find yourself singing it in the shower. Griffin doesn't have to show much vocal range, but that's fine. The rollicking rock fused with the twang allows it to be a standout track. "Juicy" is just effing creepy. The pop to end all pop, it's practically nonsensical, while being incredibly overproduced and washed up. Just skip it altogether. "Hollow" returns to normal singing, which is an excellent idea. Thoughtful lyricism from Griffin actually works here. Rippling chords throughout signify another step up for the band on this up-and-down album. "Our Finest Year" has an acoustic intro that keeps up for a while before the rest of the band launches in full-bore. Another solid filler song is really all I can describe it as. Before The Robots closes with "Breathless." Everything I said about the last track being filler applies again. It's not a good end to a disappointing album. Along with a majority of their fans, I was expecting a Better Than Ezra record for the ages. Instead, I got one that with the exception of four tracks (Burned, A Lifetime, American Dream, and A Southern Thang) can be used as a 12-dollar coaster. While they sometimes put everything together perfectly and put out a terrific song, more often than not, it's boring old songs thrown on the album to make it seem like it's worth that kind of money. Don't be fooled.  Recommendation: Even rabid BTE fans will probably be disappointed. I can't in clear conscience recommend Before The Robots Genre: Pop/Rock Overall Grade: C+ If you are a publicist or associated with a band and would like either the author or any staff member to review your disc, please use the same method of contact, and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Copyright © 1997-2009 Burlee LLC. All rights reserved. | Reprints | Privacy Policy | Disclosure | About Us/Contact Us | RSS Feed |