SMILEK - review added 5th November 2010
Album Review: Stranded (2010)
For fans of: Hard Rock... and giant pins
Smilek, from Virginia in the US, is Marty Smilek on vocals and bass, Bruce Crump on drums and percussion, and Kevin Tipton on guitar. There isn't a lot of info about them out there, although I believe they did have another album out a few years back. This is clearly a band that likes to let the music do the talking.
The good news is that the music does plenty of talking. The first thing that strikes home is Marty's vocals. He's not far from being a dead-ringer for M. Shadows from Avenged Sevenfold in places, albeit in less gravelly form. The remainder of the musicianship is impressive too, as is the writing. All in all, Smilek are the full package.
The best way to describe their sound is modern hard rock with a classic edge. They have an upbeat feel that mixes metal and pop elements, and the result is infinitely accessible and easy on the ear without ever being flat, quiet or lacking in fire.
First track 'All Your Own' recalls a more rocking version of recent U2, although to my ears it's a lot more catchy and a lot less annoying. 'I Aint No Good' is a catchy track too, boasting a pleasant bouncy summery vibe. The ultra-modern 'Stranded' is a good listen, although it doesn't quite catch the imagination with the panache of the first two. 'Put A Little Love (On The Line)' is, as you may have guessed, a ballad. It's a good effort with plenty of appeal, and I can imagine it getting a few hearts fluttering. 'Touch Of Pain' bursts into like with a heavy riff, and the chorus is catchy, but the rest of the songs is a few notches below perfection.
'American Dream' is a big anthemic track with a great sing along crescendo. 'Fields Of Fire' is a groovy retro effort, again with a cool sing along feel. 'Better Days' is another retro effort, this time singing about and sounding like the 1980s. It's cheesy but fun. Final song 'Promise To Remember' continues the aged theme, now with a modern twist, taking a similar story concept to Bon Jovi's 'Livin On A Prayer' and putting it to an Avenged Sevenfold ballad-esque backing track.
In summation...
I must admit, for whatever reason I didn't expect a lot going into this album. Turns out "Stranded" is a big surprise and actually rather splendid. It's a darn site better than many albums by 'big label' bands.
Check out... All of it.
Track List:
01. All Your Own
02. I Aint No Good
03. Stranded
04. Put A Little Love (On The Line)
05. Touch Of Pain
06. American Dream
07. Fields Of Fire
08. Better Days
09. Promise To Remember
Label: AMG Music
Artist's website(s): Smilek | MySpace | Facebook
