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Times are tough - we all know this. The economy is in a downward
spiral, people aren't spending like they used to and there just doesn't
seem to be enough money and luxury to go around. The modern day's
financial crisis can also be used as a metaphor on the current state
of music. There are so many starving acts out there looking to have
their hunger fulfilled, but sadly, the pie of success is a small one.
But even though any aspiring musician's future my seem bleak, there
is definitely something commendable about certain acts who still try
to suffer through and make it. I see Self Made Soul and their
latest album The Future Belongs To Us as such. The world of
rock n' roll seems to be especially difficult to break into but such
intimidation hasn't stopped the Connecticut foursome from putting
together a considerably cohesive and effective collection of tracks.
Some may wish to genre-pick the band into minute categories, but when
it comes down to basics SMS have made, quite simply, a rock record.
Thankfully, the band doesn't place itself within the over-crowded
pop-punk corner, like their promotional photos hint that they might.
Instead there is an evident focus on the music itself, labels be damned.
In an oddly effective way, the gentleness and fragility of Jimmy
Eat World has been merged with the blunt snarl of '90's rockers
like Collective Soul and the associated. Lead singer Alexander
Anderson has vocals that really take hold of many of the tracks,
with a range of warm emotions and unrelenting power. Though the first
half of the album had me slightly skeptical, upon reaching "Only
The World Will End" and following track "Alive", a
certain charm began to overtake the CD. It's the charm of seeing an
up-and-coming band expertly perform songs that are, in themselves,
well-written.
A motif of the hopeful unknown and ever-changing future is sewn throughout
the fabric of this record, which is the perfect attitude for Self
Made Soul to have at this point in their career. They are currently
traveling the country promoting their new baby, and with such a solid
release from such a relative newcomer to the recording scene, I am
positive that they will convert fans with each show they perform.
It's a rocky road to reach success in the music business, but Self
Made Soul definitely have the gumption and talent to make it.
-Josh Page
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