Why hasn't anybody else reviewed this?? (Modern Artillery - The Living End)

Member Name: bz2886

Product:	Modern Artillery - The Living End
Date:	17/10/08 (18 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: They're good and you probably haven't heard of them

Disadvantages: The album doesn't really pick a genre

The Living End are an Australian band, very well known within their own continent and parts of America but somewhat underappreciated in Europe. In my experience, the UK especially.

Modern Artillery is the band's third full studio album and is a decent presentation.

The Living End have are a three piece act, however, they are now on their third drummer. His first album was this one, Modern Artillery. They are a 'rock 'n' roll' collective. They certainly are rocky in style and this is fairly consistent throughout. Their music appears to show shades of punk influence and has been compared in such away. They band however, prefer to distance their self from punk in the support of the aforementioned rock 'n' roll.

THE ALBUM

=== 1. What Would You Do? ===
The first track is a quick opener and only last 90 seconds but jumps straight in with all three instruments. It's got a nice tempo and fair lyrics. Nowhere near a classic but good nevertheless. "[4.5/10]"

=== 2. One Said To The Other ===
A slightly longer and more inspiring effort. In the similar vein as the previous track in terms of style, content and lyrics. Is here a pattern occuring? Lets see... "[5/10]"

=== 3. Who's Gonna Save Us ===
Straight from the intro, this track is different with a few tempo switches. A suspending melody at the start of the track which one it fully drops, builds up throughout the track to a slightly shouty but controlled chorus. Better. "[6.5/10]"

=== 4. End Of The World ===
The rockiest/heaviest of the tracks so far. A rousing song with prominent drums throughout. This is the kind of thing which gives the band shades of punk. Nice vocals with good lyrics. A strong track. "[8.5/10]"

=== 5. Jimmy ===
A cryptic song in terms of its meaning, you can make up the detail yourself but its about a boy's evalutaion of moral conduct. The songs switches from sustained and fairly melodic parts to some slightly more instrument heavy sections. Not us good as the last track but still on par with the rest. "[5.5/10]"

=== 6. Tabloid Magazine ===
The name says it all about the song's topic. In the first few notes it sounds slightly similar to an Oasis opener, but the beat soon changes and the verses are very well synced to the rhythm. My personal opinion is that the verses are quite good but the second part of the chorus is a bit out of character to the rest of the song. This will probably just be a matter of personal taste. "[6.5/10]"

=== 7. In The End ===
This is a very universal track, and possibly my favourite. Very restrained and calm in relation to the other tracks, they drums stand out much more as the guitars take a bit of a back seat. A really good chorus which sounds great. ('... /powers above us, show us you love us./ In The End It's Just Another Day...') and is quite catchy. Best track so far. "[9/10]" _(I'm very stingy with the 10s.)_

=== 8. Maitland Street ===
Another serene beginning to the song which increases somewhat unnoticeably to the first proper chorus. A nice tune and even sounds a little bit too radio-friendly to go on here. But the lyrics are not really bubblegum although there's nothing wrong with them. Another good track. "[7.5/10]"

=== 9. Putting You Down ===
After listening to it just now, on second thoughts, this is my favourite track on the album. A mellow beginning, which seems to be part of a trend in this album, but a nice guitar riff keeps the song nice and cultured. It has a slightly distinctive feel about it. Not really as loud and rocky as some of the albums earlier tracks. It maybe lacks a little bite, but is a chilled one. "[9/10]"

=== 10. Short Notice ===
A bit of a drop considering the last few tracks, another rocky one. Not as good of a listen as some of the others, but this album changes tempo a lot so I'd just go with it. The lyrics are funny in places in this song, think they're about what he really thinks of his girlfriend but its quite lighthearted. Easy to forget, but easy to endure. "[5.5/10]"

=== 11. So What? ===
A slightly American country vibe early on in the song. Back to the melodies again and not as raw as the previous track. I like the chorus to this song and when you really listen to the lyrics they are again quite funny and clever. Passive aggressive even. Quite like this, but it won't be to everyone's taste. "[7.5/10]"

=== 12. Rising Up From The Ashes ===
The guitars are the boss here, opening with a sort of soft metal riff. I'mm not evactly enamoured with the verses, they are just, well, regular I suppose. The way in which the chorus is laboured makes it quite a good one to sing along to as it not too complicated. This track has it's moments indeed. Its good once it gets going. "[7/10]"

=== 13. Hold Up ===
A raw and ultimately, rock 'n' roller tracker. As the name suggests, and the chorus of 'Put the money in the bag' suggests. This song is about a robbery and uses the drums to up the pace of the song. A decent one, you won't full asleep to but will definitely sound great on the ipod if your bouncing down the high street. "[7/10]"

=== 14. The Room ===
This is the only track with a long build up, but it is the last on the album. It hits a crescendo at about 1minute20seconds and changes tempo. Another track with a slightly unique feel to it in relation to some of the others on the album. It changes again around 3 minutes into a sort of ska-rock beat and sounds really funky. Not exactly a cheerful chorus to end on but it sounds great. I personally like this type of music and it's a bit of shame that only rears it's head a couple of times on the album.

The track last about 8 minutes and really emphasises the tempo-switching which this album so deftly pioneers. The tracks begins to calm and fade then comes back into a decent guitar solo and one final rendition of the chorus. A good ending to the album. "[8/10]"


The album lasts about 50 miuntes and overall is a really good listen. If you have never heard The Living End, then might I suggest you do something about it. Any fan of music _avec_ guitars would be advised to do so.

The album fuses mainly rock stylings with a dash of ska, a twist of punk and pinch of salt. A refreshing release.

If you're more of a drum machine kinda person then I'd stick to what you know. The stuff of gigs, not dance clubs.

All in all, a good album. They are due to release their fifth album in late July.

(If you like this album and want more, I recommend 'The Living End' & 'Roll On', their first and second albums respectively. Their fourth album 'State Of Emergency' is slightly weaker.

I hope you enjoyed my review.


Also posted ciao.co.uk

Summary: Little known outside australia, but worth checking this out.