4 1/2 Stars:
Christian rockers, The Almost, are back with a follow up to 2007’s “Southern Weather.” The new album is called “Monster, Monster” and the sound is surprisingly versatile. The album, which comes out November 3, 2009, kicks off with the title track. Lead Singer Aaron Gillespie wails, “I’m sick of this monster, monster.” That is pretty much the theme of the entire album. According to EMI the album is actually described as a concept album.
The first four songs on the album have potential to be genuine Top 40 hits. “Monster, Monster” has an upbeat rocking sound to it while the current single “Hands” has the perfect sing along chorus. I’m sure “Hands” will translate very well live as will most of the album. You can definitely hear the Christian roots in the chorus, “with our hands held high, we’re singing oh…oh…oh… and with our feet we stomp a cadence for You.”
The heavier songs on the album are “Monster, Monster,” “Get Through” and “Want to.” Aaron even manages to belt out a pretty impressive scream in “Want to.” Beyond the potential hit songs and the heavy stuff this album offers a lot for people with eclectic tastes and a lot to fans of the Christian genre.
The song “Souls of Ten” is almost a folk rock tune. It encompasses folk, country and piano sounds. It is definitely a pleasant surprise to the album. The closing track is entitled “Monster” and it is an acoustic number that successfully brings the album together. Gillespie and company start the album with how ‘sick of’ they are of their monsters which symbolize their sins and flaws. They finish the album asking God if he loves them despite their imperfections.
It’s a very solid album beginning to end. I highly recommend it to anybody who likes alternative but pleasing to ear songs. The Almost definitely accomplishes that feat. I think this may be the album that brings The Almost to a headlining status. I don’t believe in the genre Christian rock, not because I’m not Christian, I just believe if it rocks it rocks and the album “Monster, Monster” from The Almost definitely does that. Check out The Almost on tour with The Used.
Check out the interview Zoiks! Online did with The Almost here:
“The Almost almost never was.”
BYLINE:
Bob Zerull is a frequent movie and concert goer who talks about his ventures to arenas and theaters more than any person should be allowed to do. Now, he puts them down on paper. Visit: www.cadaverchristmas.com. Email Bob at bob@zoiksonline.com.
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