Kentucky Post-Grunge/Modern Rock band TANTRIC has had a healthy following since their formative years in 1999 - releasing a series of albums that gained decent appeal in North America. Originally developing around former members of DAYS OF THE NEW, they recruited Hugo Ferreira to complete the lineup and released 5 studio albums to date. In the interim years band membership shifted to the point that Hugo is the only original member left due to record label strife by their 2004 second effort "After We Go." Their latest record "Blue Room Archives" is a compilation of 7 previously unreleased songs, 2 remixes, and 2 acoustic versions of previous hits in the TANTRIC discography.

Their style through the years bridges the Nu-Metal, Post-Grunge eras, and a lot of comparisons to ALICE IN CHAINS and its spawn of acts. Expect a little bit of experimentation on this release- especially in terms of efforts like "Fall to the Ground" and "Mind Control" - loops of electronic distortion on the vocals, guitars, and drums gives these tracks more of a cyber/computerized feel. The acoustic versions of one of their earliest hits "Breakdown" as well as "Mourning" gives the listener a chance to appreciate the raw essence of these songs, Hugo a very impressive, emotional vocalist.

The first single "Cynical" has a little bit of a Billy Idol feel, Hugo choosing to be a little more subdued during the verses and bringing energy to the chorus and driving Derek Issacs guitar riff, although the rapped post-chorus could have been something that was left on the cutting room floor. Overall I feel "Blue Room Archives" is a decent glimpse into what TANTRIC is all about, but probably more for the long-time follower and not necessarily going to gain a lot of new fan interest.

I know a lot of people can tell the difference between these Post-Grunge artists, but there isn't much to differentiate in TANTRIC from hundreds of others purveyors of this particular easy on the ears heavy grooves and catchy chorus sound.