The Audition's last record on Victory had an arrogance and a swagger about it which made it instantly likeable. It wasn't an all-time classic in the making or a record destined to re-shape the genre, but with plenty of riffs and a vocalist not afraid to flex his muscles it made for an entertaining listen - and even a record which, 2 years on, I still spin every once in a while.
It's therefore disappointing that 'Champion' is an altogether softer affair. Not a bad record per se, it's slower in pace and certainly less moody than its predecessor, reminding me of The Academy Is... jumping from a smart, sassy record to what essentially ended up as a pop-rock record aimed at commercial success. You can't mock or upset a band for wanting to go down that route, but I just feel The Audition were better with that 'oomph' - with their tails up and the amps turned up a notch.
'Champion' does contain some good songs. In places it's anthemic with plenty of singalongs. But after a couple of tracks I half expected something to give, either the vocals to roar with passion or the guitars to suddenly bust out some kind of ballsy riff. Instead it tends to drift - to say plod would be a tad unfair - along a little aimlessly at times when a swift kick up the backside would do the band, and this record, the world of good. Undoubtedly 'Champion' will shift the band on a notch in terms of fanbase and sales, but I prefer the last record, sadly.
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