FLAMEDOWN - review added 18th August 2011
Album Review: S/T (2011)
For fans of: Westcoast
Argentinean band Flamedown last featured on these pages September 2010 with their debut EP (see the review here). Rather confusingly, the EP was also self-titled, meaning the band now have two self-titled releases. Still, this new one features all the songs from the EP, so I guess it supersedes it as such....
The band's sound hasn't changed much since the debut, meaning this album is chock full of chilled out Toto-esque ditties. The musicianship is very good indeed, as is a big chunk of the songwriting. I'm not 100% in love with the vocals though. Westcoast is one of those styles that demands an exceptional singer to excel, but those here aren't always on the money. Don't get me wrong, they're okay, but they don't match the playing or quality of the song construction. Shame.
I've already touched on the songs from the EP ('Rivers Running Deep', 'Someday I', 'No One', 'Voices') and nothing seems to have changed with them here. Of the new ones, 'Weight Of The World' is a well thought out song with a cool chorus. 'Mystic Kind' is very chilled, but the sweetness of the chorus is worth waiting for. 'Losin` Ground' has some nice proggy keys and is a good overall demonstration of these guys' technical abilities. 'Time Never Waits' has some interesting moments, but isn't quite as catchy as some of the others. 'Freedom Bound' is a very catchy song, possibly the best on the album. 'Save Me' is a strong finish, again with cool keys.
In Summation:
Some very good songs feature on this self-titled album, though stronger vocals (I'm thinking someone along the lines of Kip Winger would fit well) could have seen it hit the stratosphere. Still, as a pointer to potential, it's very pointy indeed.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Track List:
01. Weight Of The World
02. Rivers Running Deep
03. Mystic Kind
04. Someday I
05. Losin' Ground
06. No One
07. Time Never Waits
08. Voices
09. Freedom Bound
10. Save Me
Band/Performers:
Charlie Giardina - Bass, Vocals, Programming
Javier Viñas- Lead and Rhythm Guitar
Emiliano Giménez - Drums and Percussion
Other Info:
Artist's website(s): MySpace | Facebook
