Begins Here is the debut album from Australian rockers The Butterfly Effect, which was released in August 2003 (Sony) and has sold over 30,000 copies to date. The album was also voted in the top 10 albums of 2003 by Kerrang Magazine.
Begins Here has gradually gained the recognition it deserves, creating an increasingly large national (and international) fan base, and has layed the foundation for more works to come.
Untitled--This is the first of 3 short instrumentals pieces on the album. The Bass and Drum pieces are both pretty simple. Kurt Goedharts guitar is actually very intriguing, with the use of what seems to be a chorus/delay effect masking the simplicity of it all. Overall it’s a very calm intro to the album.
3.5/5
Perception Twin--The track begins with Clint singing two lines over what seems to be an ending to the first track on guitar. I believe this is meant to flow smoothly, but it just doesn't seem quite right. The track follows with the songs killer main riff, and then the verse, which consists mostly of lyrics sung over ringing bass and light drumming. The Chorus shows cases Clint's voice at it's best, sung over the heavy riff from the start. The song continues as such, and features backing vocals by Flynn Gower of Cog.
4/5
Consequence--This song follows nicely from perception twin, a short intro, before heading to a bass prominent verse, with guitar gradually becoming louder as the pre-chorus approaches, which is another good hard riff and then comes the chorus. Clint's vocal work on this song is pretty impressive, as he has the chance to show some vocal diversity, and lyrically he is average. Clint's lyrics are often difficult to decipher the meanings of, this song seems to be about some pained caused by a previous relationship, but they are oped enough for people to take their own meanings from them.
4/5
One Second of Insanity--Upon first hearing Begins Here, this seems to be the song that stands out. It was also one of the bands more popular singles. However, the song does quickly become tired, although I imagine it's much better live. The technical aspects of the song are pretty average in all departments, and not too much meaning can be taken from the lyrics. This is the type of song that suits freestyle motocross videos.
2.5/5
Crave--The first single from Begins Here made it to number 11 in the Australian charts. Musically the song is quite heavy, with various riff's repeated throughout the song. Vocally the song is also fairly average. And I must say this is not one of the standout songs from the album.
2/5
Beautiful Mine--As the song begins it sounds similar to the opening instrumental, although it is slightly slower and eerie. Musically the song is good listening, steadily becoming heavier as the song progresses. But once again, Clint's voice is the highlight of the song, lyrically focusing on a woman failing to see qualities in a man(himself). Great song.
4/5
Untitled--Another short instrumental piece, and it is quite similar to the first. It does work as a decent intermission between the two halves of the album. Theres nothing really new to say about it, so I'll leave it at that.
2.5/5
Filling Silence--A highly pitch distorted riff opens this song, accompanied again by simple bass and drumming. This does quickly become repetitive during the near 2 minutes of the song that it lasts. The chorus then saves the song, which is then followed by a much softer, cleaner piece of music. Clint’s voice fits the song perfectly here, before once again rocking hard to the finish.
3.5/5
Always--The latest single from Begins Here begins with a nice drum piece by Ben Hall, accompanied by a harmonic guitar riff. Again, this song has few hard rockin riffs, some pretty decent work on bass, and more noticeable works on the drums. This song probably won't be anyone’s favourite from the album, but I doubt anyone will say it's bad either.
3.5/5
Without Wings--A light guitar riff, and some steady bass make for the begging of the song. Again Ben's drums seem fairly simple. This continues throughout the verse, until a strings quartet appears along with a pianist. This adds to the beauty of the song, giving it a symphonic sound. There is another verse, of which the lyrics seem to give the impression of Clint being left behind while others break free of something. Once again, the song has a great chorus, and again, steadily becomes heavier as the song progresses. And the pianist and string quartet also remain throughout the song, making it a great listen.
4/5
Overwhelmed--The song begins pretty calmly, but like many other songs on the album it builds into something much heavier. Interesting use is also made of a trumpet by guest musician Will Eager. Clint's voice is also impressive, and this is one of his more direct lyrical approaches.
4/5
A.D--A light musical section provides this tracks opening, before Clint begins what seems to be some kind of prayer. The verse is then calmly played and well sung, and pretty much continues like this throughout the song, although there are a number of variations. This is one of the more experimental pieces from the album, and is definitely a great ending piece.
4/5
Untitled--Very similar to the opening track, but instead of increasing in volume etc, it does the opposite. The album ends the way it began.
3/5
Overall Impression:
Begins Here is a great debut album. It is likely that this record will gradually grow on you and become a part of your regular playlist. Clint’s voice is probably the high point of the album, I find it to be simply amazing, but instrumentally it holds it’s own amongst the modern rock scene. Begins Here is not technically brilliant, like many of the more popular albums on MX, but it is however, a great listen.
