CD REVIEW: TONIGHT ALIVE – The Other Side

Label: Fearless Records, Sony Music

Release Date: September 10, 2013

Rating: 8.5/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

I really dug this band after hearing their debut, so expectations were high for this release.  “The Ocean” opens the disc with piss and vinegar type energy that remains constant through the release.  The lead vocals are as crisp and clean as those on the last disc and help keep this disc interesting.  The guitars on track like “Lonely Girl” and “The Fire” mix nicely against the vocals and give the songs an extra punch that keep the songs flowing without getting repetitive.  The latter is a nice representation of the bands energy and talent.  The tracks vocals and guitars are well supported by a tight rhythm section that drives the song.  “Come Home” is another song that features some great guitar work in a duet with the lead vocals.  The energy that drives the chorus is infectious and adds an edge to the track.  “No Different” and “Say Please” are additional tracks in the same vein that keep the band prominent in the mix with the vocals.  The bass line in these songs click well with the drums and play well against the guitars and vocals.

Ballads are few and far between in the genre this band has been lumped into, but tracks like “Don’t Wish” come really close.  The band brings their best on this track and others that ride the same vibe, such as title track “The Other Side” and the lyrically introspective track “Bathwater.”  Other tracks like “Hell And Back” keep the mood light without getting too mushy.  The band knows how to inject enough pop sensibility into each track to keep the fans and themselves happy with the output.  “Complexes” is a lot like these tracks, in that they have a mellow groove in the verse that builds to an explosive chorus.  The use of different layers and textures seems to be one of the bands strengths.  Disc closer “You Don’t Owe Me Anything” is another mellow track that demonstrates the strength of Jenna McDougall’s voice.  She is given the room to shine on this track, as the band is kept a little back in the mix, but it compliments the track and gives the disc another high point and one of my favorite tracks.

http://www.tonightaliveofficial.com/au/home

https://www.facebook.com/tonightalive

Category: CD Reviews