CD REVIEW: SWEET APPLE – The Golden Age Of Glitter

Label: Tee Pee Records

Release Date: April 8, 2014

Rating: 8.5/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Some bands and releases come across my radar from seemingly no where but seem to stay there.  The latest from Sweet Apple is one of those releases.  The album isn’t a heavy metal gem something that will get your head banging like a great glam metal album.  This solid rock disc kicks off with “Wish You Could Stay Longer,” which features a duet with Mark Lanegan of Screaming Trees fame.  The guitars are full, the beat tight and the mood light.  Lanegan makes another appearance on “Let’s Take The Same Plane,” where he duets with Rachel Haden.  The mellow vibe of this track sets the disc on a different course from the previous tracks but doesn’t lose its focus or cohesive feel.  “Another Desert Skyline” continues the more relaxed feel, while developing another texture on the canvas that is ‘The Golden Age Of Glitter.  The guitars are earthy and blend well with the vocals.  “We Are Ruins” is a fun song that features a lot of percussion and adds another dimension to the disc.  The vocals are layered and almost eerie, but fit the musical track.  Disc closer “Under The Liquor Sign” is a light track that injects a little fun to the end of the disc.  The vocals are different from others on the disc, but blend well with the guitars and rhythm section.

“Reunion” is another track that has cool guitars, great drumming, and also features Guided By Voices’ Robert Pollard.  The vocals are great and have an anthemic feel through the chorus.  The use of a live audience in the back track on this track and the following track, “Boys In Her Fan Club” give them a cool feel and edge that is different from some of the other tracks.  The chorus of the latter has a full sound via layered vocals.  “I Surrender” has a big groove filled with great drumming and a fun bass line that rears its head throughout the track.  You can’t lose sight of the guitars that seem to lift the vocals in the mix.  “Troubled Sleep” has a very cool guitar intro that builds from the first note to the last, giving this track a strength not yet experienced on this disc.  The vocals, even during the chorus, allow the guitars to be the star on this song.  “You Made A Fool Out Of Me” has a different sound and flow to it than other tracks, but it somehow works on this disc and within the sequencing of the tracks.  If you are looking for a fun disc that allows everyone to get something different to listen to, this is the one for you and your next get together.

http://www.sweetapplesongs.com

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Category: CD Reviews