The Almost - Monster Monster (2010)

Review By Bonnie Gardiner

This is The Almost’s second album for Tooth & Nail / Virgin Records, following their debut album "Southern Westerner". "Monster Monster" is on the loose.

The album showcases a new and completely collaborative melding of each band member's talents. The Almost have produced twelve tracks of varying musicality, but each has in common a funky mixture of melodic and hard rock. This album is guaranteed to hit the spot for anyone after a heavy metal orientated instrumentality, combined with modern harmonics that are somewhat easier on the ears.

Aaron Gillespie's nasal/emo vocal delivery imbues the album with a confident, yet slightly juvenile air. The Almost has obviously been driven by many rock influences that can also be likened to bands such as the Living End, Empire of the Sun, and maybe even a little Nickelback... only better.

Monster Monster is a great opening track; thick with angst and dressed up with a strong energetic beat. It demonstrates the band member's love of classic garage punk. This track stuck deep in my subconscious and I couldn’t get it out of my head for days. 

Lonely Wheel contains more isolated vocals, there is greater experimentation with sound - including the use of an echo effect. A slightly emo-rock ballad contemplating individuality and the trials of life and love.

No I Don’t has a pleasant acoustic opening which segues into to a rock chorus. There is additional use of simple synths that can be likened to that of a 80s ballad mixed with rock sounds of the 90s. 'Hands' incorporates a nice melodic element. 'Young Again' makes use of a strong thudding raw-power stomp that displays their metal roots coming to the fore. Here is a voice that holds attitude and confidence.

Summer Summer is a slightly slower piece with a wave of rhythm that aids the telling of a story. The tune possesses a nostalgic feel, topped with strong energetic vocals. The grungy garage-rock attributes vintage appeal. A moving guitar solo to conclude.

Books & Books holds up a funky ethnic drum beat before leading back to a slightly angsty mood. The techno-rock laced sounds battle the general pop tendency.

Souls On Ten uses a more upbeat, smoother melody. The composition has a more wave-like movement which allows it a solid flow. It remains closer to a regular pop sound but still lacks anything overly generic that might taint the merit of the track.

Want To once again takes us back to the vigorous rock melody, varying between a catchy downward melodic slide and the occasional hard yelling metal phase. This song reveals an emotional instability.

As we get towards the end of the CD, repetition of technique becomes more and more apparent. Monster is a refreshing conclusion. Here is some stark acoustic blues with a touch of psychedelia.

The grand finale is a surprisingly mellow piece, expressing a more mature sound now that we’ve reached the end of the journey. Though I personally feel they are not as alternative as they are deemed, this doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t a formula for success in their work.

"Monster Monster" is a powerful cohesive mixture of emo garage punk, heavy metal, and acoustic blues. This expansive work by Aaron Gillespie, collaborating with his band members Joe Musten (drums), Alex Aponte (bass) and Jay Vilardi and Dusty Redmon (guitars) is not one to be missed.

RATING: 4 out of 5

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