The Almost releases a monster into the music world
Posted by The Skyliner on November 11th, 2009Candice Paschall
Staff Writer
Last week a monster was released. Not the type of monster that wreaks havoc, but the kind that sounds like a rock album. Monster Monster is the name of the new album by The Almost, which was released Nov. 3. The band’s sophomore release comes only two years after its debut of Southern Weather, which gave the band, fronted by Underoath drummer Aaron Gillespie, credibility by debuting at an impressive number 39 on the Billboard charts. Now, with Monster Monster, The Almost continues to establish itself as a band while also incorporating new elements into its music.
Monster Monster is different from Southern Weather on many levels, from the recording to the songs themselves. Gillespie played all of the instruments on the first album himself, then recruited a band to play the songs on the road. With the new album, the touring band recorded in the studio, so it was more of a collaborative effort.
“This now feels like a real band. Everyone gave up a piece of his own agenda for the good of the final result,” Gillespie said on the band’s Web site.
The album itself is very different from Southern Weather, and from most albums released this year in general. 2009 has been ripe with new music, but out of all of it, I haven’t heard a more diverse album so far. In general, Monster Monster is an alternative album, but that genre doesn’t do this album justice. There are not only rock anthems and ballads, but also a song that has a techno vibe, one that incorporates strings, some have piano throughout, while a few even have a country edge to them. Normally I don’t care for records that are all over the place, but somehow The Almost can do that with ease, without the album sounding choppy or immature.
Out of the 12-track album, my favorite song by far is “No I Don’t.” It starts as a stripped down acoustic number, but transforms into an upbeat pop/rock track so familiar of The Almost. The band members also show themselves to be amazing song writers, especially on this track. The last verses say: “I’m free because you said so/And I’m learning to grow/Because you held my hand/I’m free because you said/Go, keep walking.”
Next to this track is “Hands,” which is unlike anything I’ve ever heard before. It has attributes of an anthem, but then piano comes in, which turns into shouting vocals and leads to an anthem sound again. This song can’t be described as anything but a masterpiece.
The Almost shows its diversity on tracks like “Lonely Wheel” and “Want To.” “Lonely Wheel” actually has a Rascal Flatts feel with a rock edge, while “Want To” is reminiscent of the band’s Underoath roots in the screeching vocals.
Overall, The Almost came back with a superb sophomore release. Fans will be glad to hear the band they know and love, but won’t be bored since the record is teeming with diversity. Southern Weather was a great debut album, but Monster Monster really sets The Almost apart as a band that can work with a variety of songs and genres and still sound exceptional.
Tags: Fall 2009, Vol. 109 - Issue 9