a passably interesting band (Anthology - Alien Ant Farm)

Member Name: strange_child

Product:	Anthology - Alien Ant Farm
Date:	30/09/01 (44 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: not too bad, theyr ok

Disadvantages: cover version not original at all, samey

At first listen of Alien Ant Farm?s ANThology, I wasn?t particularly impressed. I thought that they were dry and boring, and a bit American Middle-of-the-road. After about five listens thought, I find that they have grown of me, and I feel qualified enough to give my opinion of this CD. Alien Ant Farm are one of the only bands I can think of at the moment which I would describe as <rock>. Most bands can be put into a little box marked nu-metal, or skate-punk, or Goth, but Alien Ant Farm are different ? there is something about them that doesn?t follow the trends and that?s what I like.

<Courage>
A drum roll and slightly heavy riff introduces us to this album and song, before quieting down when the singing starts. This is a reasonably catchy song, in that there is a definite tune, as opposed to that they are poppy and super-happy. The vocals range from quiet, what I would call MOR vocals (which does let it down a bit) to louder, shouting. I don?t think that the singing is a high point on the album ? whilst he can sing, the singer doesn?t have a particularly distinctive voice and it can sound a bit boring.

<Movies>
A normal Alien Ant Farm sounding song leads to a catchier chorus, which you can sing along to. It?s reasonably heavy in a rock way (I?m not talking about metal here!). It takes a few listens and then the tune is imprinted on your mind and is more enjoyable to listen to.

<Flesh and bone>
The song starts with a reggae rhythm section and is lighter than the last song. The vocals still sound a little middle-or-the-road however, and I think that they could invest in a singer with a little more attitude or at least a less whiny voice. It then breaks into a passable uninspiring chorus and then back to the reggae drums and bass.

<Whisper>
The song starts with a riff, which sounds really good. Then breaks into a different, quieter riff under the singing. This is quite a good song namely due to the g
uitaring, as opposed to the tune or the singing.

<Summer>
This has got a good tune, and sounds pretty good. The song is full with the guitars, but with less drumming than before. I would say that this is one of the best on the album. It?s catchy, but not in a sing-a-long way, but the tune get into your head.

<Attitude>
This starts off really funny with something sounding like what you hear a Scottish country dancing and then changes into an average Alien Ant Farm song; light guitar and uninspired singing. I think it?d sound so much better with the beginning imposed onto a heavier song, because like this it sounds a bit poncy, and doesn?t really get going. And no, it doesn?t have attitude.

<Stranded>
Here we go then; a heavier song. It?s not really heavy as such (compared to some stuff I listen to), but it?s a welcome change to the last song. The riffs crash behind the song, and there is a sing-a-long chorus. It goes together great, another stand out track.

<Wish>
The start could maybe be Nirvana until the vocals start. It?s fast and fun with throbbing riff, but again, they need a singer with more attitude in his voice! It?s catchy and fun and yet another stand out track. I would actually say that it?s probably the best on the album.

<Calico>
Not a hugely amazing song, but fills up the album none-the-less. There is no definite tune to the verse, but there is to the chorus, as so many songs. The guitars sound like they?re providing a backing to the singing, rather than an accompaniment. Never the less, it?s a good song.

<Death day>
This is a boring song.

<Smooth criminal>
Ok, this is the most known song, because of its success in the charts. It?s funny so hear a rock band doing a cover of Michael Jackson. I?m not hugely familiar with the original, but as far as I can see, they?re not that much different. There is no point in doing cover versions unless you
change them in some way to make it more like your own. I can think of loads of bands who could do a better job ? Less Than Jake could do a ska version, slipknot could do a death-metal version?they could at least have used heavier guitars and screamed a bit more.

<Universe>
The last song on the album. This song is quiet and unexciting to begin with, and then get heavier, which is not hugely exciting either. Maybe they should?ve put the Smooth Criminal song at the end, or Wish.

Ok, so it?s not an album I would buy, but it?s good as an album to skank! I am reasonably impressed, but as I?m sure I?ve said millions of times now; the singer is boring! He doesn?t do anything for the songs! If you?re mainly a fan of chart rock then you?ll love it. Goodbye.

Summary: