The Changing of the Times,
UnderoathFirstly I think Solid State Records originally released this in 2002, so I’m guessing Golf have just received licensing rights to put it out this side of the Atlantic. First few listens of this though, without knowing when it was recorded, I would have dismissed it as another clone emotive/hardcore album. But after realising it is an older recording than I first thought I take back those sentiments as it wouldn’t have been as clichéd as it would be now. So yeah, whilst there are the trademarked screams and meaty breakdowns aplenty it’s essentially not too bad an album.
The opening track had me very excited from the moment it kicks off; very dark and moody with ‘Clumsy’-era SAMIAM guitars contrasting against raw yet super melodic vocals and some more aggressive screams which work really well in context with everything else going on. If the album continued along this path I would have enjoyed it a lot more I think, track two ‘Letting go of Tonight’ does keep it flowing however.
It’s really a bit of a mixed bag of an album. Whilst the continuing trend of emotion drenched music and vocals continue throughout it can get a bit heavier at times; ‘Never Meant to Break Your Heart’ highlights this well as it has some more metallic, aggressive riffs with pounding drumming nailing it together with some more blood curdling vocal efforts.
In analysis, when UNDEROATH slow things down and pull out the heavier meatier armoury I feel they are at their weakest and most clichéd. However, where this album shines, in my eyes, is when the keyboard (yes, that’s right) is added into the equation. Combined with the pacier, punchier moments it helps to make a rather unique sound and generally creates a moodier atmosphere.
I still haven’t really decided what to make of this yet. Even after about ten listens I’m still finding it hard to form a strong conclusion on it, which is very unlike me. At times it shows some marvellous creativity but at the same time it can lose itself in riff based over indulgence. But saying this, it’s not like a schizophrenic album; it sounds like it all belongs on the same disc if that makes sense. Just in some places better than others I suppose, but it does essentially depend on what floats your boat
www.solidstaterecords.com
www.underoath777.com
www.golfrecords.com
Mike
