Poison The Well - The Tropic Rot
Rating
RIYL
HopesfallThe Bled
Every Time I Die
Norma Jean
Release Date
07/07/2009
Label
Ferret MusicTracklist
1. Exist Underground2. Sparks It Will Rain
3. Cinema
4. Pamplemousse
5. Who Doesn't Love A Good Dismemberment
6. Antartica Inside Me
7. When You Lose I Lose As Well
8. Celebrate The Pyre
9. Are You Anywhere
10. Makeshift Clay You
11. Without You And One Other I Am Nothing
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A decade removed from the boundary-shattering The Opposite of December, an album that spawned thousands of copycat bands that still plague the hardcore scene to this day, Poison the Well is most likely sick of hearing about it. They were foiled by the pressure to follow up such a classic, releasing the abysmal Tear from the Red in 2002, but found their stride again a year later when they stopped trying to recreate their sound and instead evolved it on the excellent You Come Before You. They again did the same for Versions in 2007, but some felt the band was straying a little too far from their roots. Fans who agree with that last sentiment are not going to find much pleasure in The Tropic Rot, the band's latest foray into sonic experimentation and pushing the limits of what could be considered hardcore. Not that this album is identical to Versions, but it shares the same spirit as that record, and for the most part, the same sound. However, the production is a hell of a lot better this time around and the songwriting is a little more cohesive and direct.
The Tropic Rot is a record that will further polarize the band's fanbase, causing some to cry foul and others to hail it the best record since the last record. There's likely to be no middle ground, which is a shame, because neither of the above statements are warranted -- this is a good record from a band who's had it tougher than most when it comes to expectations. It's not great, but it's not bad by any means. Take it for what it is -- a work by a band who's sick of hearing about how they aren't as inventive as they used to be, but one that isn't content with resting on their laurels. Surely Poison the Well could have hung up the gloves after their debut and let their reputation precede them in other projects, but give them credit for having the guts to try new things and move on. And, really, if you're one of those people who refuse to give them credence, you should at least follow their example.
--Timothy Golden
Comments
Lehigh Valley, PA
I think this is a decent album. Too short of a review, but it gets to the point. Good job Tim.
Glasgow, Scotland
I really like this album. I feel it's the album that Versions should have been.
Telford, PA
I disagree strongly with your assertion that Tear from the Red is abysmal. But otherwise, good review.
West Haven, CT
A Tear From The Red is their best CD.
It has the best lyrics he has ever written.
It has the purest form of their art without it being tied down by some "scene" or lame music breakdown.
Everything after ATFTR is just alright.
He tries to sing too much on this CD. It drags on and sounds old after 5-6 minutes of listening to.
The Cityscape Burns Brighter By The Hour.
Waterloo, Ontario
i'm a huge fan of You Come Before You but i'd have to say i like everything besides The Opposite of December, i'm digging this cd
Top Ten of 2009 http://www.decoymusic.com/users/3747/top_tens/2009
New Jersey
They had something great with Versions. This one just doesn't have that same spark of life.
when i see it in your eyes
i just want to go blind
Boston, MA
I've been loving this album. Really cool sound to arrive at with all the evolution the band has undergone. I especially like what they did on Pamplemousse; I think the clean singing works really well on that track.
Stereo Typing
Tweet at me, bro
El Paso, TX
I also disagree with Tear From The Red being a bad album, it's still much better than most of the metalcore that was released within the following years. To me, You Come Before You is by far the best album they've released so far, but Versions definitely had a lot of good things going on. Can't wait to receive this new CD.
Wisconsin
didn't really get into versions at all. much better.