Cameron
Melnyek - Vocals
Jesse
Wainwright - Guitar
Alison
Toews - Bass
John Philippon
- Drums
Kadooh
- Guitar
This Canadian band begins a whole new level to their once slow and steady approach to their career. The band nominated
for a 2008 Juno Award for Best New Group, “Money Honey” was a top 10 single, they just recently signed with Sanctuary
Artist Management, as well as signing with Universal Republic Records to re-issue the Cordova Bay Records release back in
June of 2007. The record Life, Love & Lies is set for a late October ’08 release. The album begins with the title track “Life,
Love & Lies.” The track sets the stage what is a solid beginning. It offers up an up-tempo beat with pretty good
vocals. It also shows the involvement of all members with backing vocals and sharp instruments. The next track “Hearts
That Bleed” is a drum driven track that has a great set of vocals throughout the track. It’s a tune that could
easily have an impact on its listeners. “Too Pretty” offers up nice picking and a steady pace with not too much
overkill on the effects. This is a for sure fan favorite. I don’t want to jump to conclusion and rash predictions, but
it may do for them what “Lips of an Angel” did for Hinder….To a point that is, not to that extreme that
it did for Hinder. “Best I Ever Had” begins with an impact filled piano and killer lyrics. They add in some strings
and a soft drum to add in more of a dramatic sound to the passion filled song. I can see this track doing something as well.
“Day After Day” picks the pace back up a bit with the music and adds in an “echo” if you will with
the vocals as “Money Honey” kicks everything up a notch. It’s a catchy track that it will stick with you
for a long time (just take my word for it; I had it in my head for days after the first listen). The track also has a nice
set of lyrics to sing to, like: “I made mistakes that I can’t erase” and “If I had more money honey
would you love me love me love.” “Stupid” is another super catchy track that will catch you ear buds by
surprise for the short time it’s alive. “Pieces of You” is another surprising track as it is a soft yet
simple track that picks up a bit through the chorus and fades back down. It will track that is reaching out to that special
someone. “Rollin’” places some cool effects throughout the track. They are woven in and out of good vocals
and a powerful chorus. The track packs a punch with the outburst of tunes and should quickly become a favorite, especially
with the nice little guitar solo placed perfectly in the track. The album ends with the track “When Did Love Leave”
a track that appears in a mask. When I read the title I was expecting a track that featured a slow and powerful vocal lead
song. Instead it has blistering music for the most of the track. It’s a great way to end the album as it left me wanted
to reply the entire thing. Overall this is a decent album. It sneaks up on you and slaps you around a bit. They have a very
nice mix of slow tracks and up-tempo ones. They also add in a good mixture of effects and other instruments throughout the
album. all of those items make for a decent time listening to the album. the Canadian band is on to something and should take
off with a few tracks on the album. With this album they are a band to pay attention to in the coming years.
Rating: 8 out of 10
My favorite tracks:
Hearts
That Bleed, Money Honey, Rollin’
Track List:
1.
Life, Love & Lies
2.
Hearts That Bleed
3.
Too Pretty
4.
Best I Ever Had
5.
Day After Day
6.
Money Honey
7.
Honeymoon’s Over
8.
Different Day
9.
Stupid
10. Pieces
of You
11. Rollin’
12. When
Did Love Leave
Website (s): www.stateofshock.com, www.universalrepublic.com
