Jom
12-05-2004, 11:08 PM
"Through the Eyes" is the major label debut from nu metal act Flaw. The follow-up, "Endangered Species," has already been reviewed, so I'm going to briefly compare and contrast the two: "Through the Eyes" is heavier and more aggressive, while the follow-up seems more controlled and is produced cleanly. Guitars are seven-strings tuned to standard (BEADGBE). They aren't virtuosos like Petrucci, but they use all seven strings.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v607/frozeninshadows/flaw-throughtheeyes.jpg
Flaw (for this album, note the lineup changes on "Endangered Species") are:
Chris Volz: vocals, piano
Lance Arny: guitars
Chris Ballinger: guitars
Ryan Jurhs: bass
Jason Daunt: drums
The tracklisting:
1. Only the Strong
2. Payback
3. My Letter
4. Get Up Again
5. Whole
6. Amendment
7. Scheme
8. What I Have to Do
9. Inner Strength
10. Best I Am
11. One More Time
12. Reliance
13. One More Time
Hidden track: Only the Strong (piano)
Track-by-track review:
1. Only the Strong: starts off with a few seconds of silence then kicks into a one-guitar riff with Volz shouting "Step up now!" which leads to the main riff. The verses are sung well, the riff remains prevalent throughout. The chorus is the strength of the song, Volz shines the most when he says, "... as decent as I can make myself / Inside we all know only the strong survive." Song is written in typical ABABCB format, but it's done well. The bridge is muffled chanting that gives way to more singing, until the chorus. Drumming is standard fare, as is the bass work. The theme of the song entails not knowing what life is going to give you, but that "only the strong survive." Satisfactory opening track. Score: 4.25/5
2. Payback: the first single from this album. Bass "solo" for a few seconds gives way to the whole band sound. First verse is sung quickly, then the chorus is shouted. Volz, I feel, does both singing and shouting well. The main riff is a pounding one, and the bridge interlude, while somewhat simplistic, drives the song. The drumming sticks out most during the bridge and closing of the song. Song talks about revenge, obviously. Score: 3.5/5
3. My Letter: the first ballad of the song, it's written from a first-person perspective. The song is emotionally powerful, especially in the closing lines of the chorus ("...what's the next step, the latest hole in my life? What's next for me to lose?"). The bridge guitar "solo" and main riff are both noteworthy, although I can't hear the bass as much in this song. Drumming is satisfactory, but Volz's voice really empowers the song, which is basically Volz's letter to a friend or loved one. Score: 4/5
4. Get Up Again: this track was released for the "XxX" soundtrack (lousy movie, I know, don't hold it against them), and is the shortest song. Guitar line kicks off the song with Volz shouting "Here we go again!" and the whole band kicks in. Verses are palm-muted with Volz quickly singing at a higher range. Song structure breaks away from ABABCB format somewhat, it's written in another style. Song talks about not accepting defeat or not letting others fall around you ("Reach out your hands out to the ones who aid when the going gets rough, these are the ones who help when times get tough, and times will get tough, just get up again"). Good message, with satisfactory backing of the other instruments. Score: 3.75/5
5. Whole: the second single, starts off with another bass run with Volz quietly singing. Main riff is another crunching one, and the bridge is half-spoken/force-whispered. Song talks about a breakup (I think), and how the girl took a piece of him away, hence not feeling "whole." Volz exhibits his range again in the chorus. Cymbal work is also good. Score: 3.5/5
6. Amendment: starts off with an eerie guitar line, which Volz shout-whispering the verses while singing the chorus. The bridge is somewhat bi-polar, with a sung line followed by a shouted "Break!" The closing of the song is also sung, but ends with more shouting. Guitar and bass lines are satisfactory, drum work is pretty standard. The song ends on a ringing chord that leads into the next song. Score: 3.5/5
7. Scheme: the chord from the previous song is still being held, with a bass kicking in some notes. Double bass and floortom/snarework from the drummer drive the verses. Chorus is shouted; this is one of the more intense songs. Verses are sung. Song discusses not being held down by outside forces that drag you down. Closing riff with natural harmonics thrown in end the song well. Score: 4/5
8. What I Have to Do: I call this the second ballad of the song, although this can be up to interpretation since it's heavier than the other two on the album. I like everything about this song: Volz's range and mix of shouting and singing, the guitar and bass lines, and the work on the drums are all done extremely well. The song runs a bit long, clocking in at 5:40, but is constructed very well. Verses and chorus are basically sung with some shouting at the closing line of the chorus, the bridge gives you the feeling of fading away ("... slipping, drifting, falling... one step further from the norm, what is the norm?.. what if I run...?"). It is beautiful. The tempo slows, but then picks up to the original speed and intensity. The chorus before the bridge shows Volz's range very well, and it doesn't sound forced. The best track on the album, in my opinion. Score: 5/5
9. Inner Strength: the intro to the song is somewhat weak, but the chorus is the highlight of the song. The song discusses having self-power and overcoming odds on your own when no one is there to help you. The song is just average, it's not a filler track, per se, but it's organized and performed differently, and it sticks out like a sore thumb instead of being a highlight. Nothing stands out, really. Score: 3/5
10. Best I Am: the final ballad of the album with the full band. Cymbal rolls and single guitar notes are prevalent throughout the verses with some solid bass work as well, which kick in to a heavier chorus. The song talks about being a good father figure or significant other, and even though the past wasn't that bright, the man can be try to be the best that he can. Volz shines in the bridge, where he hits some higher notes with ease, and the song is just well-composed. Score: 4.75/5
11. Out of Whack: solid intro, with a sung verse. The chorus is done well in this song, with backup vocals making their first appearance (I think). Palm muted verses, steady drumming and bass work, Volz hits some higher notes in the ending lines of the bridge of this song, with the last note sustaining strongly until the chorus. A pretty typical song, but the backup vocals and chorus give the album a newer dimension, and it's a welcome one. The song has a political undertone, but it's very light and not noticeable, and shouldn't be seen as one, really. Score: 4.25/5
12. Reliance: more scream-whispering in the verses, some singing that gets a shouted response. The guitar line is simplistic but driving. This is the angriest and most aggressive of the songs, with pounding drums, a heavy guitar line, and steady bass work. It's not exactly a great track because Volz doesn't shout very well in this song. Score: 3.25/5
13. One More Time: moderate tempo with standard guitar, bass, and drum work. Basic theme of the song is wishing that once you're on your deathbed how you want to live life again ("By the time my life is at its end, I'll want it back one more time"). The song slows down to a somber feel, but then ends on an aggressive keel and fades out with drum rolls and a last Volz note. Average song, nothing spectacular. Score: 3.5/5
Hidden track: it's "Only the Strong" with Volz on the piano. It starts at 6:21 on track 13, after "One More Time." Some extra lyrics are tacked on at the end, but the emotion is still there. It's a good way of closing the album out. Score: 4.25/5
Pros: Volz performs well on the album, he exhibits a good upper range and is a satisfactory shouter; he isn't a screamer. The guitar riffs drive the songs. The power ballads on the album are excellent. The album is mostly accessible to those getting into hard rock and nu metal without the rapping or overly downtuned guitars, except for a couple songs.
Cons: aside from some bass intros and some leads, the bass isn't really all that prevalent. The last couple tracks aren't spectacular, but the piano at the end makes sure that the album doesn't end on a bad note. The singles don't do the album justice, there are much better tracks than what the singles were.
Overall grade: 3.9/5, adjusted to about a 4.1/5
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v607/frozeninshadows/flaw-throughtheeyes.jpg
Flaw (for this album, note the lineup changes on "Endangered Species") are:
Chris Volz: vocals, piano
Lance Arny: guitars
Chris Ballinger: guitars
Ryan Jurhs: bass
Jason Daunt: drums
The tracklisting:
1. Only the Strong
2. Payback
3. My Letter
4. Get Up Again
5. Whole
6. Amendment
7. Scheme
8. What I Have to Do
9. Inner Strength
10. Best I Am
11. One More Time
12. Reliance
13. One More Time
Hidden track: Only the Strong (piano)
Track-by-track review:
1. Only the Strong: starts off with a few seconds of silence then kicks into a one-guitar riff with Volz shouting "Step up now!" which leads to the main riff. The verses are sung well, the riff remains prevalent throughout. The chorus is the strength of the song, Volz shines the most when he says, "... as decent as I can make myself / Inside we all know only the strong survive." Song is written in typical ABABCB format, but it's done well. The bridge is muffled chanting that gives way to more singing, until the chorus. Drumming is standard fare, as is the bass work. The theme of the song entails not knowing what life is going to give you, but that "only the strong survive." Satisfactory opening track. Score: 4.25/5
2. Payback: the first single from this album. Bass "solo" for a few seconds gives way to the whole band sound. First verse is sung quickly, then the chorus is shouted. Volz, I feel, does both singing and shouting well. The main riff is a pounding one, and the bridge interlude, while somewhat simplistic, drives the song. The drumming sticks out most during the bridge and closing of the song. Song talks about revenge, obviously. Score: 3.5/5
3. My Letter: the first ballad of the song, it's written from a first-person perspective. The song is emotionally powerful, especially in the closing lines of the chorus ("...what's the next step, the latest hole in my life? What's next for me to lose?"). The bridge guitar "solo" and main riff are both noteworthy, although I can't hear the bass as much in this song. Drumming is satisfactory, but Volz's voice really empowers the song, which is basically Volz's letter to a friend or loved one. Score: 4/5
4. Get Up Again: this track was released for the "XxX" soundtrack (lousy movie, I know, don't hold it against them), and is the shortest song. Guitar line kicks off the song with Volz shouting "Here we go again!" and the whole band kicks in. Verses are palm-muted with Volz quickly singing at a higher range. Song structure breaks away from ABABCB format somewhat, it's written in another style. Song talks about not accepting defeat or not letting others fall around you ("Reach out your hands out to the ones who aid when the going gets rough, these are the ones who help when times get tough, and times will get tough, just get up again"). Good message, with satisfactory backing of the other instruments. Score: 3.75/5
5. Whole: the second single, starts off with another bass run with Volz quietly singing. Main riff is another crunching one, and the bridge is half-spoken/force-whispered. Song talks about a breakup (I think), and how the girl took a piece of him away, hence not feeling "whole." Volz exhibits his range again in the chorus. Cymbal work is also good. Score: 3.5/5
6. Amendment: starts off with an eerie guitar line, which Volz shout-whispering the verses while singing the chorus. The bridge is somewhat bi-polar, with a sung line followed by a shouted "Break!" The closing of the song is also sung, but ends with more shouting. Guitar and bass lines are satisfactory, drum work is pretty standard. The song ends on a ringing chord that leads into the next song. Score: 3.5/5
7. Scheme: the chord from the previous song is still being held, with a bass kicking in some notes. Double bass and floortom/snarework from the drummer drive the verses. Chorus is shouted; this is one of the more intense songs. Verses are sung. Song discusses not being held down by outside forces that drag you down. Closing riff with natural harmonics thrown in end the song well. Score: 4/5
8. What I Have to Do: I call this the second ballad of the song, although this can be up to interpretation since it's heavier than the other two on the album. I like everything about this song: Volz's range and mix of shouting and singing, the guitar and bass lines, and the work on the drums are all done extremely well. The song runs a bit long, clocking in at 5:40, but is constructed very well. Verses and chorus are basically sung with some shouting at the closing line of the chorus, the bridge gives you the feeling of fading away ("... slipping, drifting, falling... one step further from the norm, what is the norm?.. what if I run...?"). It is beautiful. The tempo slows, but then picks up to the original speed and intensity. The chorus before the bridge shows Volz's range very well, and it doesn't sound forced. The best track on the album, in my opinion. Score: 5/5
9. Inner Strength: the intro to the song is somewhat weak, but the chorus is the highlight of the song. The song discusses having self-power and overcoming odds on your own when no one is there to help you. The song is just average, it's not a filler track, per se, but it's organized and performed differently, and it sticks out like a sore thumb instead of being a highlight. Nothing stands out, really. Score: 3/5
10. Best I Am: the final ballad of the album with the full band. Cymbal rolls and single guitar notes are prevalent throughout the verses with some solid bass work as well, which kick in to a heavier chorus. The song talks about being a good father figure or significant other, and even though the past wasn't that bright, the man can be try to be the best that he can. Volz shines in the bridge, where he hits some higher notes with ease, and the song is just well-composed. Score: 4.75/5
11. Out of Whack: solid intro, with a sung verse. The chorus is done well in this song, with backup vocals making their first appearance (I think). Palm muted verses, steady drumming and bass work, Volz hits some higher notes in the ending lines of the bridge of this song, with the last note sustaining strongly until the chorus. A pretty typical song, but the backup vocals and chorus give the album a newer dimension, and it's a welcome one. The song has a political undertone, but it's very light and not noticeable, and shouldn't be seen as one, really. Score: 4.25/5
12. Reliance: more scream-whispering in the verses, some singing that gets a shouted response. The guitar line is simplistic but driving. This is the angriest and most aggressive of the songs, with pounding drums, a heavy guitar line, and steady bass work. It's not exactly a great track because Volz doesn't shout very well in this song. Score: 3.25/5
13. One More Time: moderate tempo with standard guitar, bass, and drum work. Basic theme of the song is wishing that once you're on your deathbed how you want to live life again ("By the time my life is at its end, I'll want it back one more time"). The song slows down to a somber feel, but then ends on an aggressive keel and fades out with drum rolls and a last Volz note. Average song, nothing spectacular. Score: 3.5/5
Hidden track: it's "Only the Strong" with Volz on the piano. It starts at 6:21 on track 13, after "One More Time." Some extra lyrics are tacked on at the end, but the emotion is still there. It's a good way of closing the album out. Score: 4.25/5
Pros: Volz performs well on the album, he exhibits a good upper range and is a satisfactory shouter; he isn't a screamer. The guitar riffs drive the songs. The power ballads on the album are excellent. The album is mostly accessible to those getting into hard rock and nu metal without the rapping or overly downtuned guitars, except for a couple songs.
Cons: aside from some bass intros and some leads, the bass isn't really all that prevalent. The last couple tracks aren't spectacular, but the piano at the end makes sure that the album doesn't end on a bad note. The singles don't do the album justice, there are much better tracks than what the singles were.
Overall grade: 3.9/5, adjusted to about a 4.1/5