THE SINS - review added 19th October 2010
Album Review: The Undone (2010)
For fans of: Alt Rock... and folk 'n' prog 'n' more...
Seattle act The Sins - J. Van Huisman on vocals, Lee Tillman on guitar, Fish Jones on bass, Jamie Knox on drums, and Jyri Glynn on violin - started back in 2001 as (according to the press blurb) a post-punk entity inspired by early Brit-popbands such as the Sisters of Mercy and The Mission, as well as American rock legends ranging from Danzig to The Doors. You know what? You can definitely hear those influences... but there is a lot more to this band besides.
"The Undone" is their 3rd release, following their 2002 debut "The Beginning" and their 2005 follow-up "The Last One Kills". There's a definite cult feel to the act meaning they'll probably never be massive, but they'll always have a devout and deserved following. It's been a five year wait since the last album, and I reckon the fanbase should be very happy with what they have waited so patiently for.
"The Undone" is a mix of styles from all over the place. Those British goth punk/rock/pop influences are strong in places, yet they vanish in others. Occasionally the band turn into Pink Floyd. In others they sound (thanks to the violin) like a softer version of Skyclad. All in all this is a band with a very interesting take on alt rock, and so many facets most people should be able to find something to like.
Best moments include the vaguely-grungy 'El Guitaro', the folksy 'Abigail', the exceptionally rocky 'Arms Of Devoria, the indie charms of 'Stone Goes Cold', the proggy 'Chi Chi', and the cartoonish folk of 'Sintown'. The track order could have done with being different as most of the top tracks are at the start, but that's a small moan.
The Sins have produced something pleasing to the ear with "The Undone". It's too scatty to be absolutely brilliant, but music doesn't get much more characterful than this.
Check out... The first five tracks.
Track List:
01. El Guitaro
02. Abigail
03. Arms Of Devoria
04. Stone Goes Cold
05. Chi Chi
06. Temple Of The Midnight Sun
07. Wrapped
08. No Tomorrow
09. Don’t You Cry
10. Sintown
11. Tonight
12. Undone
Label: SINister Records
Artist's website(s): The Sins | MySpace
