Sep7ember - Strange Ways of Going Home
I was prepared to ruthlessly make fun of this album based purely on the gayness of the band photos and idiotic moniker. Is it “September 7th,” or am I actually supposed to say “Sep-seven-ember”? I was also briefed on their style not being Metal, which isn’t a huge problem for me personally, but we here at Metal Curse tend to prefer… I don’t know… Metal? But, I decided to give it the old college try. Sure enough, album opener “View Into Blur” doesn’t waste any time disappointing. I can’t stand the piercing rhythm of Boris Pillmann’s vocal delivery. Musically the band is hard to pigeonhole. This is the kind of music that the vague description of “Alternative” was invented for. Pillmann’s singing is equally hard to describe because he reminds me of so many vocalists. He sounds kind of like Arlo Guthrie, or maybe Billy Joel. Perhaps a young, hillbilly Elton John? Actually he reminds me most of a singer from an old Punk band called The Robots, but since I’m sure all of about 7 people have actually heard them, I realize that comparison does nothing for you. Still, you get an idea. The album eventually does reveal him to be a great singer. Pillmann’s only flaw might be an occasional Southern drawl not unlike Scott Weiland’s on the first Stone Temple Pilots album. Peculiar as Sep7ember hail from Germany. Their big hit, “I Hate NY,” is up next. A better song, but a little too happy for me, however, this chorus begins to expose just how powerful Pillmann can be. Next up is “Run,” the album’s first stab at poignancy and sincerity and it works surprisingly well. This is the first song I’m able to fully embrace. It’s followed by “One Thing,” which is hindered by the aforementioned redneck voice vibe. But even this chorus will grow on you if you let it. The real highlight of Strange Ways… is the middle of the album (tracks 5-8). The heartfelt resonance of “So” and “Bitterness” comprise some of the best Indie Rock since Interpol’s Antics LP, while “Rocket to Somewhere” and “Carpets” hint at the best Grunge I’ve heard since Kurt Cobain dyed his hair red and refused to do interviews. Speaking of Cobain, Pillmann has a similar lyrical philosophy, i.e. using words that fit the verses and make the songs catchier as opposed to always needing to make sense. The rest of the album isn’t quite as good. “Gods Are Laughing” also suffers from that damned hillbilly drawl and overuse of the Wah-Wah pedal (note: any use of Wah-Wah pedal is overuse of Wah-Wah pedal… let it go). “Superhero Smash Hit Wonder” sounds like some kind of modern U2 filler with lyrics as bad as the song title suggests. “Remaining Days” is an anti-racism song. Really? Racism’s over, guys. People hate themselves these days, not others. “All Quiet” is a moving but energetic tune which serves as a fitting album closer since the actual last song is just a lackluster acoustic version of “So.” In summary, I am simply torn. This is a record that is only 54% good, yet I can’t stop listening to that damn 54% over and over and over again. It’s not even remotely Metal, but it’s seriously fucking addictive. You’ll just have to decide for yourself, but don’t say I didn’t try to warn you.
(1) Comment(s)
Page 1 of 1 pages
Swastikkko said:
yOur name is Jack
Page 1 of 1 pages