The fourth studio album from Welsh band Lostprophets has been some time coming, but the wait was well worth it. ‘The Betrayed’ due for release in January 2010, takes us through a combination of musical styles – with some songs reminiscent of the progressive rock style of the first album ‘The Fake Sound Of Progress’ combined with more radio friendly songs (A Better Nothing, Where We Belong) that are similar style to hugely popular 2006 release ‘Liberation Transmission.’
What Ian Watkins and co. have accomplished in the making of this album, is finding a happy medium, and a happy balance between keeping new and old fans happy (think to 2nd album, ‘Start Something’)
The album opens on the crashing drums, introducing us to the first song cleverly titled ‘If It Wasn’t For Hate, We’d Be Dead By Now.’ After the first minute, Ian Watkins vocals reach that soaring level we are so accustomed to. Not quite Liberation Transmission, not quite Fake Sound of Progress.
The first obvious thing is the heavy emphasis and focus on some solid drums and clever guitar work. Where for the majority of Liberation Transmission, Watkins vocals had a more focal role, with the odd guitar solo thrown in (‘4AM forever etc.), in The Betrayed you can’t help but notice the obvious emphasis being placed on the instruments, creating a heavier sound, not un-similar to their original style.
The second track ‘Dstryr and Dstryr’ has a similarity to song ‘Burn Burn’ (‘Start Something’) with midpoint in the song Ian’s soft vocals building up to become louder, making it the sort of song you just want to chant along to.
The lyrics and build up in this one – ‘Destroyer, destroyer we live inside of you’ is in a very similar style to the point in Burn Burn – ‘Burn Burn, for us, for them, for you.’ The defiance in this song and in ultimately in the album is that trademark Lostprophets style that had been previously missing from Liberation Transmission.
Track ‘It’s Not The End Of The World But I can See it From Here’ may as well been stamped with ‘Lostprophets.’ It is the Lostprophets we are accustomed too, whether they are leaning towards progressive rock, or being more mainstream – catchy lyrics and tune, awesome guitar solo, and Ian’s distinctive vocals.
‘Where We Belong’ is an obvious single choice for the band, with the lyrics portraying the journey taken towards the making of the album.
Personal favourites and stand out tracks from the CD, would probably have to be ‘Dstryr Dstryr, If It Wasn’t For Hate We’d Be Dead Right Now,’ ‘Streets Of Nowhere’ (the boys at their mainstream best- try not singing along to this song) and ‘Next Stop Atro City’ (An awesomely fast paced song, catchy lyrics and because who doesn’t like a song that showcases Ian Watkins screaming vocals.)
Overall, I would recommend picking up a copy of this CD. Lostprophets have made a real effort to keep older and newer fans happy, and it has paid off for them. After a 3 year gap between CDs it’s great to hear some fresh tunes from the boys. As guitarist Stuart Richardson states, the album is ‘No bullshit, no tricks; raw, pissed off, and catchy as f***.’ And if you’re anything like me, you couldn’t ask for anything better or anything more from Lostprophets. Except maybe an Australian tour sometime in the future...
8/10
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Top 5 Albums of 2009;
2009 was a year of some great music, and breakthrough artists as well as highlighting the promise of just how good 2010 will be music wise.
1) My number one spot goes to The Getaway Plan for the 'Best of The Getaway Plan (2005-2009.) If you are anything like me, and were absolutely gutted when these incredibly talented Melbourne lads broke up, then you'll understand my choice. From featuring their hit singles off the successful album 'Other Voices, Other Rooms' as well as including all the tracks from their first demo and their first EP 'Hold Conversation', with b-sides from singles also thrown in, it is a perfect mix of The Getaway Plan, showcasing the versatility they had. Whether it's the passion displayed in with the screaming vocals in 'The New Year' or the soft, haunting piano and vocals on 'Melophobia', the boys never fail to disappoint. RIP.
2) The Dreamers EP - Young Heretics
Wow. Is the first word I expressed after hearing the opening track 'Bones Of A Rabbit.' Kitty Hart and Matthew Wright aka Young Heretics have wowed fans and critics alike with their 4 song EP, just a teaser of what to expect on their album due out in 2010. If it's anything like the EP displays, this will be one act to watch in 2010. Whether their vocals are soaring over the top of a full orchestra or softly blending in with acoustic guitar, the duo has showcased their amazing musicianship and vocal range in this EP. For only $5, I would recommend anyone to get it.
3) First Temple - Closure In Moscow
The debut album from Aussie band Closure In Moscow, didn't fail to disappoint. The CD starts with a bang, and doesn't fail to disappoint, showcasing the bands ear for melody, crazy instrumentals and the amazing voice of Chris de Cinque. The CD also showcases the bands versatility with punk driven tracks they became known for, as well as mixing in more diverse sounds, such as song 'A Night at the Spleen.' Ever heard a punk type song that you can just get up and dance to? - (yes dance, not mosh). The chorus is ridiciulously catchy with Chris' falsetto vocals 'dance with me through the night, we'll feel alright, we'll make it last all night' will guarantee you'll walk around singing it for the next couple days. A promising first release from the boys - excited to see how well they can develop and extend on their sound on their sophmore album.
4) Hot Mess - Cobra Starship
Who can deliver cheesy, catchy electro pop-rock songs and still remain cool? Cobra Starship can. Gabe Saporta's charisma mixed in with his clever, cutting and most of the time highly amusing lyrics, make for great, catchy songs to get up and dance to. The band shows that they are in it for the fun of it, and don't take life to seriously, a breath of fresh air in the power hungry music scene. I mean how can you not (secretly) love lyrics such as 'Yo give it up, cause I know what you've got, you can ride to the top, but you can't ride on my cock' followed by 'I'm not street but I do what I gotta do, so what? you got a crew? I got a crew too'
While it's not lyrics to make you think, or make you feel the power of music, sometimes we all need a bit of plain fun and dance time.
1) My number one spot goes to The Getaway Plan for the 'Best of The Getaway Plan (2005-2009.) If you are anything like me, and were absolutely gutted when these incredibly talented Melbourne lads broke up, then you'll understand my choice. From featuring their hit singles off the successful album 'Other Voices, Other Rooms' as well as including all the tracks from their first demo and their first EP 'Hold Conversation', with b-sides from singles also thrown in, it is a perfect mix of The Getaway Plan, showcasing the versatility they had. Whether it's the passion displayed in with the screaming vocals in 'The New Year' or the soft, haunting piano and vocals on 'Melophobia', the boys never fail to disappoint. RIP.
2) The Dreamers EP - Young Heretics
Wow. Is the first word I expressed after hearing the opening track 'Bones Of A Rabbit.' Kitty Hart and Matthew Wright aka Young Heretics have wowed fans and critics alike with their 4 song EP, just a teaser of what to expect on their album due out in 2010. If it's anything like the EP displays, this will be one act to watch in 2010. Whether their vocals are soaring over the top of a full orchestra or softly blending in with acoustic guitar, the duo has showcased their amazing musicianship and vocal range in this EP. For only $5, I would recommend anyone to get it.
3) First Temple - Closure In Moscow
The debut album from Aussie band Closure In Moscow, didn't fail to disappoint. The CD starts with a bang, and doesn't fail to disappoint, showcasing the bands ear for melody, crazy instrumentals and the amazing voice of Chris de Cinque. The CD also showcases the bands versatility with punk driven tracks they became known for, as well as mixing in more diverse sounds, such as song 'A Night at the Spleen.' Ever heard a punk type song that you can just get up and dance to? - (yes dance, not mosh). The chorus is ridiciulously catchy with Chris' falsetto vocals 'dance with me through the night, we'll feel alright, we'll make it last all night' will guarantee you'll walk around singing it for the next couple days. A promising first release from the boys - excited to see how well they can develop and extend on their sound on their sophmore album.
4) Hot Mess - Cobra Starship
Who can deliver cheesy, catchy electro pop-rock songs and still remain cool? Cobra Starship can. Gabe Saporta's charisma mixed in with his clever, cutting and most of the time highly amusing lyrics, make for great, catchy songs to get up and dance to. The band shows that they are in it for the fun of it, and don't take life to seriously, a breath of fresh air in the power hungry music scene. I mean how can you not (secretly) love lyrics such as 'Yo give it up, cause I know what you've got, you can ride to the top, but you can't ride on my cock' followed by 'I'm not street but I do what I gotta do, so what? you got a crew? I got a crew too'
While it's not lyrics to make you think, or make you feel the power of music, sometimes we all need a bit of plain fun and dance time.
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