My previous experience of Ska music is non-existent and other than a quick 10 minute viewing at Reading '09, I'd never heard of Streetlight Manifesto. Their live performance was fun, for want of a better word but I didn't really feel compelled to go and listen to them on record. Anyway, this is what albumswap is all about and so lets see what Somewhere in the Between has to offer.The first track grabbed me instantly with its' catchy chorus and almost addictive brass music. It was bouncy and enjoyable as a standalone track but whilst enjoying it, I was quietly hoping that the album would have a change of pace and direction somewhere in order to keep me listening.
Tracks 2 and 3 evoked similar feelings to the opener but by the end of 'Watch it Crash' I felt like I'd heard everything Streetlight Manifesto had to offer and was starting to become a bit bored by their sound. I actually though 'Watch it Crash' was the best track on the album and again was a very good song in its' own right, but in amongst a whole album of similar tracks it all just seems to blend into one. I think this is the main issue with Ska music and why it's never been as big as perhaps it should have been. There's simply no diversity in the music and it can all sound very 'samey'. It's a strange feeling as I like the fusion between brass instruments and rock music and even enjoy the music generally, I just don't think it has any longevity to it and I got bored with it extremely quickly.
My other problem with Streetlight Manifesto is the vocalist. It's been said in previous reviews and I can't help but re-iterate what an awful sound this man is making. As I said in my 65DOS review, I love a good frontman but this man's gravelly voice does nothing for me and I actuallly think it detracts from some very good songs.
As a whole, I'm going to give Streetlight Manifesto 2.5/5. I did find the album fun but the novelty wore off much too quickly and I thought it was highly evident as to why Streetlight Manifesto and Ska music as a whole will never be successful.
I have to take issue with something here. Can you please tell me of an album that doesn't have songs that sound the same? If an album doesn't flow, and sounds like its just been thrown together, it's a huge turn off. I don't think theres a single album I've listened to that I could truly say 'these songs all sound different.' Singers sing in the same voice, guitarists play in the same style. Bands have their own sound, I don't see why it's a problem?
ReplyDeleteSeems like 'this all sounds the same' is an easy slur to throw at an album, most often at an album in a genre you don't normally listen to. Don't you think it's a bit of a dad thing to say? 'All this rubbish sounds the same!' What do you think when you hear that about music you like?
I do realise that I've said this in both my reviews and perhaps it is an 'easy' criticism to make about an album when obviously their influences and general playing style will be similar on most tracks. I guess it's more that there was nothing on the album which stood out from the rest. Of course most of the albums I listen to sound similar, Biffy have that orchestral sound on pretty much anything they release right now and Enter Shikari have their electronics/dubstep. I can accept an album sounding similar, but only if it's a sound I'm enjoying. Also, with the aforementioned artists, they have tracks which stand out and that you remember, both SM and GOAT's albums have just not done a lot for me :(
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