The Almost - Monster monster

'Monster monster' is the sophomore album of Aaron Gillespie (Underoath)'s side-project The Almost. It can be considered as the full band's first actual release as the frontman wrote and recorded all the songs himself on 'Southern weather'.

In my opinion, this album will divide fans. On one hand, 'Monster monster' is the continuation of its predecessor. We're being served with a bold alternative rock with a strong southern touch. Tracks like 'Monster monster' and 'Get through' have this rough "desert rock" sound, taking you to the American depths, surrounded by dust and rocks. The Almost clearly have a rock sound in the traditional meaning of the term. On the other hand, they've decided to slow down the pace and the album lacks the debut's urgent and fast songs. That doesn't mean some tracks aren't enjoyable, 'Young again' (mostly for Gillespie's vocals) or 'Want to' (the fact that its screamed break is the only one on the album makes it very pleasing) retain the attention. But, on most of the other tracks, substance and focusing are unfortunately missing. First, there is a strong pop addition to their sound, whether be through soft piano (the pop-punk-ish 'Souls on ten'), radio-friendly melodies ('No I don't') or unsurprising handclaps ('Hands' and its disconcerting intro and chorus that would have fit on Cobra Starship's first album). Several tracks are just bland mainstream rock in the vein of The All-American Rejects or typical Tooth & Nail alternative rock. There is also a lot of Americana influence on 'Monster monster'. Far from being a fan of country, the pedal steel, percussions and acoustic guitar on 'Hand grenade' just don't do it for me. The 6-minute long, epic wanna-be 'Monster' is more moving as Gillespie's singing and repetitive lyrics really stand out. The song follows a progression leading to a nice musical climax with an electric guitar solo. The album as a whole is much more spiritual than 'Southern weather', being based on the issue of facing sins and flaws (the "monsters") in life. There's no wonder who the vocalist is addressing to when he sings: "With our hands up high we're screamin' / Woah, woah, oh / Woah, woah oh / And with our feet we stomp a cadence for you" ('Hands') or "When I am a monster / You never wince when you look at me / When I am a freak, you never stare / When I am a leper / You never say unclean / And when I am lost / You come and get me free" ('Monster'). I should actually write "you" with a capital, if you see what I mean... It's not a secret for anyone, Gillespie is a strong, devoted Christian and The Almost is just as faith-related as Underoath.

With this acceptable sophomore album, The Almost set themselves as a not-so-bad but definitely not great band. Aaron Gillespie sure is a talented artist and can be as impressive on the mic as he is behind drums but those compositions have poor lasting value and aren't very consistent. I ended up getting bored after a few listens as none of the songs are that memorable. Though, people that really enjoyed 'Southern weather' should give 'Monster monster' a try as they may be happily surprised, but I don't promise you anything.

P.S.: I didn't say the album stinked, but apparently Amazon consider legitimate to compare it to a good old sandal.

3/5

Recommanded if you like:
Saosin, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Foo Fighters
Check also:
House Of Heroes, Ivoryline, The Wedding

www.myspace.com/thealmost
(Tooth & Nail Records, 2009)