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by Tony Pascarella Published: May 2, 2005
If you don't believe that dreamy alternative music can have a punk edge, look no further than Seattle-based quintet Acceptance. Honestly, I never would have gotten into the band, had I not seen them live (with Copeland, As Tall As Lions, and Lovedrug); but their amazing performance got me interested in their upcoming release, Phantoms. Their previous EPs "Lost For Worlds" and "Black Lines to Battlefields" were released on indie labels, but they were ultimately signed to Columbia Records for their big debut. Acceptance Is: Jason Vena (Vocals) Kaylan Cloyd (Guitar) Christian McAlhaney (Guitar) Ryan Zwiefelhofer (Bass) Nick Radovanovic (Drums) From the first few notes, the rich sound of Acceptance will get you hooked. "Take Cover" starts the album. It's very bass and guitar-heavy; Jason Vena's vocals are intense between the riffs, which are equally as vibrant. You'll be singing along after the first time through the song--that's how infectious it really is. With a little different style, the band kicks into a softer-sounding "Over You." Less aggressive, the music is much mellower, stacked behind a great riff. This is just a fun-sounding song with deep overtones. "In Too Far" is really a song similar to the first on the album. They aren't as intense on the riffs, and the theme of the song is a bit more downplayed. "The Letter" has song great vocal parts that are both mature and uplifting, in a way. The guitar bits are solid, but not as impressive on the album as when I saw them live on this song. "Different" is the first single, surprisingly a ballad. A damn good one, at that. A questioning introspective song, it showcases Acceptance's talent effectively. Vocally, Jason Vena is top-notch, and both guitarists manage to produce almost Jimmy Eat World-esque chords. The interlude "Ad Astra Per Aspera," which translates roughly to "to the stars through difficulties" is a little bit of the band jamming, on an appropriate lead-in to the next track. "This Conversation Is Over" happens to be the song that first caught my eye by Acceptance. With Vena's passionate singing atop a chugging, mobile riff, this song is purely enjoyable. I'm thinking it's definitely worthy of being the next single from Phantoms. Next up is "Breathless," a darker song. I originally really loved this song, but upon further listening, it sounds a whole lot like the rest of the album. The band does certainly show their musical versatility, while spanning the range of notes. "So Contagious" is another rangy number in which Vena's voice really comes off well. It's down-beat, but still powerful. Acceptance doesn't get bitten by the cliché bug on "In The Cold." They fulfill that rich sonorance that I brought up earlier in the review again here. With thick guitars and powerful drumming, it makes up for the slightly lacking vocals. "Permanent" may be the closest that the band gets to punk rock, with rough guitars and manic drumming. Almost anthemic in quality, the song is very good; definitely one of the standouts on Phantoms. The album ends with the almost ethereal "Gloria/Us Appearing." With a great piano piece backing them, Acceptance shows the breadth of their music talent. First looks aren't always indicative of everything. Had I rated this album as soon as I heard it, the grade might be as much as a full letter grade higher. Acceptance has a very slick, overproduced sound that will initially grab and charm you. It's when you look for some substance underneath that the album lacks. Not that the songs are bad, per se, they're just not multi-faceted, it seems. Jason Vena and company are very talented, but the production of Aaron Sprinkle isn't always conducive to individuality. 
Recommendation: It's good, but not definitely a buy unless you're sure you like Acceptance already. Instead, go see them in concert; you'll be blown away. Genre: Alternative Rock Overall Grade: B (84%) 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. |
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