NG26 - review added 24th November 2010
Album Review: Open Your Mind (2010)
For fans of: Alt Rock/Metal... and sitting in an armchair
UK metallers NG26 - Chris Topley on vocals, Jon Topley on drums, Rich Shaw on guitar, and Rob Shaw on bass - have been together for over a decade, but they only released their first album of original material "Break Away" in 2006. "Open You Mind" is the follow-up.
The sound is a bright and accessible take on modern rock/metal incorporating soaring melodies, thumping rhythms and pleasant if mellow vocals. To my ears Chris Topley is more of an indie or pop vocalist than a rock singer, but the combination of his silky intonations and the oft-heavy music gives an interesting ambience.
Good:
This is a very likeable album. In fact it's hard to find anything to dislike from start to finish. The musicianship, singing and production are all well balanced, and the songs all have a story to tell.
Not So Good:
There is little on the album that is exceptional, and no tracks really stand out as classics. I don't want to call this a "safe" release, because it's better than that, but it does struggle to get the blood flowing.
The Songs:
Best moments include the bombastic opener 'Bring Back The Day', the vaguely grungy 'Defiant', the thrashy-in-places 'All Fades Away', and the heavy and near-progressive 'Recalling My Life'.
In Summation:
"Open Your Mind" is a nice album from a talented bunch of guys, but I'm unsure of it's long-term-enjoyment potential.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall:
Check out... All of it.
Track List:
01. Bring Back The Day
02. Otherside
03. One More Road From Home
04. Mine Tonight
05. Look To The Sky
06. Defiant
07. All Fades Away
08. Open Your Mind
09. Recalling My Life
10. World Crashes Down
Label: Holier Than Thou Records
Artist's website(s): NG26 | MySpace | Facebook
