| Product: |
One Day Remains - Alter Bridge |
| Date: |
04.05.08 (77 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: A whole range of diverse and brilliant rock tracks
Disadvantages: Some people might think it's a bit too similar in places
It's fair to say that I like to listen to some very unusual bands that are certainly not mainstream in their country of origin, let alone here in the UK.
It's also fair to say that Alter Bridge are not a well known band which to me, is a great shame.
Why, I hear you cry? Well, it's simple; the talented four piece's first album, 'One Day Remains', is spectacular, ranging from gentle rock ballads to hardcore head banging tracks and songs of hope even in the darkest hour of a persons day.
One of the most amazing things about the band is lead singer Myles Kennedy (formerly of Mayfield Fours) voice; powerful yet extremely tender, his singing helps you to focus on the place where main song writer, guitarist Mark Tremonti, was when creating lyrics for each track. Myles has an incredible way of channelling these thoughts to really reach out to the listener.
I should also point out that while three of the band members are formerly of Creed (Mark, Brian Marshall on bass and Scott Phillips on drums) that they are promoting themselves as an entirely different band.
And I - for one - can totally see the difference.
Track 1: Find The Real (4.43 minutes)
Starting the album off in style, 'Find The Real' is a song of hope through desperation. With everything kicking off with a blaze of guitars and drums, Myles' voice helps to add to that, rather than breaking it down. This song reminds me a lot of someone talking to themselves; it may not make too much sense if you only listen to part of it.
Marks out of 10: 9 - A brilliant way for the album to begin, setting the tone for a very edgy, rock album.
Track 2: One Day Remains (4.06 minutes)
The guitar by the exceptional Mark - with a sound very similar to metal legends, Metallica - this track follows a similar tone to it's predecessor although they are completely different. The 30 second intro really helps to get you into the track.
Marks out of 10: 8.5 - Another strong and unforgettable track.
Track 3: Open Your Eyes (4.58 minutes)
This was, in fact, the first song I'd ever heard from the band and the first thing I remember about it was how struck I was with Kennedy's husky vocals. 'Open Your Eyes' demonstrates just how varied his vocals can be from soft to quite loud.
Marks out of 10: 9.5 - Every time I hear this I get goose bumps.
Track 4: Burn It Down (6.11 minutes)
The pace slows down significantly for this next song. 'Burn It Down' seems to be the confessions of a drunk; someone telling themselves that they need to turn their lives around for the better. This track works really well; the careful riff and Kennedy's voice fuse at the one minute mark with a gentle drum beat to add a little rhythm.
Marks out of 10: 8.5 - The narrative on this song is awesomely beautiful.
Track 5: Metalingus (4.20 minutes)
After what some would describe as quite a depressing track, the onslaught of all rock instruments galore makes 'Metalingus' one of the album's best and most popular tracks. Most commonly known as WWE Superstar and current World Heavyweight Champion, Edge's, theme tune, this one is a sure fire favourite for anyone listening to the band for perhaps the first time.
Marks out of 10: 9.5 - One word; Amazing.
Track 6: Broken Wings (5.07 minutes)
'Broken Wings' goes back to a similar formula that 'Burn It Down' had; a slower ballad that does grow into an epic rock song. Another fantastic guitar riff starts this one off and really sets the mood effectively.
Marks out of 10: 9 - Perhaps put on a little too soon after 'Burn It Down' but brilliant in it's own right.
Track 7: In Loving Memory (5.40 minutes)
As you can probably guess from the tracks title, this is the bands dedication to a friend who died. Although it may seem pretty generic, I actually like it; it's a good honest track that anyone going through a bereavement period would be able to identify with.
Marks out of 10: 8.5 - Tragic yet beautiful.
Track 8: Down To My Last (4.46 minutes)
Probably one of the weakest songs on the album, this song is all about moving forward and not dwelling too much on the past. Sang and played very well.
Marks out of 10: 7.5 - Some people may be a little tired of this kind of track by the time it comes round to this one.
Track 9: Watch Your Words (5.26 minutes)
A very unusual, distorted sound sees the beginning of this track. This is one of the harder, rockier songs that 'One Day Remains' has to offer. This comes now under your typical Alter Bridge track.
Marks out of 10: 8 - Myles' vocals are particularly good in this one.
Track 10: Shed My Skin (5.08 minutes)
Possibly a track that doesn't get as much credit as it should. 'Shed My Skin' sounds, to me, like an awesome live track; reflective without being depressing yet rocky without lacking meaning.
Marks out of 10: 9.5 - The lyrics are powerful and get stuck in your head - one of the albums amazing gems.
Track 11: The End Is Here (4.58 minutes)
Aptly titled and aptly played. Perhaps not one of the most memorable tracks but one that you certainly should listen to as the band are craftsmen in their field, showing that they can sustain a track such as this one.
Marks out of 10: 8 - The album ends on quite a high!
The folded up sleeve includes lyrics as well as thanks by each of the band members, Myles, Mark, Brian and Scott although all of this is pretty hard to read considering the font used by the designers.
The artwork along fits in very well with the albums songs; a jagged yet masterpiece of the 'Alter Bridge' as well as a picture of all of the band members. I think it also sets a really good tone for the album because, in itself, the artwork is quite unique which is what I do honestly consider Alter Bridge to be. This album is, to me, a huge step away from Creed and I think the artwork shows this.
At the moment, 'One Day Remains' can be purchased from internet shops for about £8.99 for a brand new copy which is a fairly good price for an American album that is scarcely seen in most high street shops, or at least not in vast quantities.
Whilst I don't see it to be a problem, I can see that some people may complain that the album only contains eleven tracks which, to me, is a pretty standard amount. However, the album lasts 55.23 minutes in total and is really a case of quality over quantity.
Lets put it this way; if one day really did remain, this is one of the albums I would certainly be playing!
(Note: Previously written and displayed by myself MizzMolko on Ciao).
Summary: A fantastic debut album by one of America's best kept secrets!
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