FULL TURNOUT - review added 29th June 2011
Album Review: Adversity (2011)
For fans of: Alt Rock
Full Turnout hail from Southern Ontario in Canada...and they have an extremely silly name. I've spent most of my life describing the action of (for want of a better description) taking a large 'poopy' with the same words, so it's fortunate this band produces such great music or this review may have become an absolute mock-fest.
The band, comprising a bunch of firefighters, formed In 2006. Their debut album "Perfect Neverending" came along a couple of years later. "Adversity" is the second release from the guys and boasts a wonderful range of styles. I say wonderful because albums which explore many avenues often fail miserably, being too stop-start to be an enjoyable listen. Fortunately, there's an underlying vibe to "Adversity" that holds the whole thing together with real aplomb. They surge from the melodic pop of Take That to the punky pleasantries of The Offspring, covering most of the bases inbetween. It shouldn't work but it does, and that's a very good thing indeed.
The vocals are spot on. The musicianship isn't exceptional but it's more that up to the job. The production is way better than your average unsigned band. In fact the only thing I can criticise is the strangely bleak cover art which totally undersells the happy-go-lucky music on the album.
Song wise, the title track, 'Think it Over', 'Hang On', 'Hold On' and 'If I Were You' are vying for the status of best-in-album. If you've come here looking for a filler track you're in the wrong place. There isn't a duffer throughout.
In Summation:
This is one of the finest albums you could hope to hear from an unsigned band. If they could get some better cover art, and perhaps change their name to something less rude, they'd be nigh-on perfect.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Track List:
01. Adversity
02. Just Seconds Away
03. Invisible
04. On the Ground
05. Momentary Best Time
06. Think it Over
07. Hang On
08. All Along
09. I Miss U
10. In My Car
11. Hold On
12. If I Were You
13. Taken Back
Band/Performers:
Matt Krusky - Rhythm Guitar, Vocals, backgrounds
Dave Drexler - Lead Vocals, Harmonies,backgrounds
Pete Zettle - Drums, Harmonies, backgrounds
Brian Parisotto- Bass Guitar, harmonies, backgrounds
Brad Dugas- Lead/Rhythm Guitar
Other Info:
Artist's website(s): MySpace | Facebook
