Sonic Cinema
Evolution Eden
From their website, "With their latest release, "Sonic Cinema," the band showcases an expanded repertoire of musical styles and a serious approach to meeting the needs of every modern and classic rock fan. Their maturation as songwriters once again takes center stage on this, the 6th release of their illustrious career." The album has 12 songs, and "On With the Show" is the first. The opening tones are mid-tempo, and a bit sleazy sounding from the snarl of the vocalist. The melodies in the chorus are just a bit muddied. "Blood Runs Wild" is more like it. The opening riff has an 80's tinge to it, the vocals are energetic, and the chorus is slicked with backing vocals.
"Here's to the Good Times" is an ode to a typical Saturday night with friends, knocking back some cold ones and enjoying their company. A combination of acoustic and distorted guitars provide the fuel, although the raspy vocals are just a bit pitchy. "Love's Got a Mind of its Own" is a positive sounding song with a good deal of energy, and again, an 80's inspired riff that takes me back. "A Good Thing" is an acoustic led song with emotive qualities. I suppose it's the equivalent of an 80's power ballad, and I like the interplay between the acoustic riff, the audible bass notes, and the tender vocals.
"The Wild Ones" is another acoustic led song that gives way to a mid-tempo pace of distorted guitars and harmonized vocals. He talks about the summer of '89, and you can hear that sound in the song, if you were alive back then. "If Love is War" is another mid-tempo song with a punchy sound, almost like an anthem. "Don't Let it Go to Waste" is a positive, affirming song with the message that you need to get out there and take things that you want. This song is memorable with a great chorus to boot. "Land of Oz" closes the album. It's a statement on the apathy of most people, and how they believe that you can find the courage to find your heart, and stand your ground. Overall, this was a good album that had just a few too many songs. Most of them were memorable, and with strong melodies, and the sleazy 80's qualities came through well. It's a decent tribute to the sounds of yesteryear but it could have had more of the band's flavor.
7 / 10
Good
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"Sonic Cinema" Track-listing:
1. On With the Show
2. Blood Runs Wild
3. Here's to the Good Times
4. Love's Got a Mind of its Own
5. A Good Thing
6. Music Man
7. Bad Habit I Don't Wanna Break
8. The Wild Ones
9. If Love is War
10. Don't Let it go to Waste
11. I Gotta Find my Way Back to you
12. Land Of Oz
Evolution Eden Lineup:
Brandon Owen - Vocals, Guitar
Mike "Pap" Pappas - Guitar, Vocals
Mike McShane - Bass, Vocals
Brian Powell - Drums, Vocals
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