The Almost - Monster Monster
Rating
RIYL
Foo FightersRelient K
Emery
Underoath
Release Date
11/03/2009
Label
Tooth And NailTracklist
1. Monster, Monster2. Lonely Wheel
3. No I Don't
4. Hands
5. Young Again
6. Summer, Summer
7. Hand Grenade
8. Books & Books
9. Souls On Ten
10. Want To
11. Get Through
12. Monster
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Aaron Gillespie made a major decision by stepping out of the backdrop in Underoath and stepping into the limelight in his own little project, The Almost. However, 2007’s Southern Weather proved to be more than just a side project. It hit a lot of skeptical listeners by storm and made them re-think their opinion on the particular genre The Almost fall into. Now, a couple of years later, Gillespie and company have released their second full length Monster Monster and, while it may be a decent listen, I’m not too sure it’s going to grab the attention of listeners as strongly as their debut.
Southern Weather had hook after hook, rhythm that was undeniable, and catchy songs out the wazoo. Monster Monster… not so much. The title track, which kicks the album off, is one of the catchiest tracks on the disc. Actually, the whole first half of the album seems to be the driving force behind Gillespie’s attempt at making hits. Out of the first handful of tracks, “Hands” seems to be the most likeable. It starts with a quick chant and transitions into a steady driving guitar section with a pleasant sounding piano. With lyrics like, “With our hands held high, we’re singing oh… and with our feet we stomp a cadence for You,” this track seems to be one of the more noticeable “worship” tracks on the album. Unlike Southern Weather, Monster Monster doesn’t have as many preachy songs, but these guys still don’t hesitate to let you know who they are writing music for. “Want To” is another enjoyable listen. A steady pace and catchy riff are sure to keep your foot stomping as this track really embodies a pure rock sound. The most satisfying listen is the last track, “Monster.” It’s a track that just grabs your attention and holds it the entire time.
This album is not a bad listen, but it’s also not going to keep itself in your rotation. Actually, it may play itself out if you listen to it too many times. The only thing that really stands out in this album is the fact that The Almost dropped the poppy crap and added more of a rock sound, even if it does sound like they are ripping off the Foo Fighters. All in all, Monster Monster is nothing spectacular, but is also not horrendous. It's just another album for teeny boppers to listen to a few times until the next scene release comes out.
--Bill Lohr
Comments
Dubuque
Wanted to like this, but couldn't. Really enjoyed the first two tracks, but anything after that I felt very discouraged. To me it seemed like they didn't even try on this album.
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View Chris Conlan's profile on LinkedIn
Pittsburgh, PA
I enjoyed this a lot more than Southern Weather; I feel like Southern Weather was just bland aside from Amazing Because It Is, Dirty and Left Out, and a couple others.
RAAAAAAAAAAA!!!
Dubuque
I thought "Southern Weather" had more memorable tracks than this one.
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View Chris Conlan's profile on LinkedIn
Pittsburgh, PA
Maybe I have to go and listen to it again; I got it at the same time as another CD and I listened to that one a whole lot more. If I remember right it was "Age of Reptiles" from Showbread.
RAAAAAAAAAAA!!!