10 Years is an alternative rock group that was formed in 2000. Their first major album titled, The Autumn Effect, featured powerful vocals, lyrics, and musicianship that took the listener on an emotional rollercoaster. With songs such as, “Wasteland” and “Through the Iris”, the band got a lot of radio play. It was a successful debut for the band and because of it, their fan base expanded.
Band Members:
Jesse Hasek- Vocals
Ryan Johnson- Guitar
Matt Wantland- Guitar
Lewis Cosby- Bass
Brian Vodinh- Drums
Division is their second major album release and it incorporates the same aspects from The Autumn Effect, but makes it so emotional that it will leave you depressed. The album is mainly about love and loss, but the opening track, “Actions and Motives”, takes on a political stand. There is no doubt that the lyrics from this album are some of the most depressing lyrics you will ever hear. Songs such as “Dying Youth”, “So Long, Good-Bye”, and “Proud of You” are some of the prime examples. Just by looking at the song titles you can tell it is going to be an emotional experience, and indeed they are. Each song is sung with a sense of urgency or disgust that drags the listener into feeling the pain and sorrow from Hasek’s lyrics.
“Dying Youth” is a top notch alternative rock melody that has soft guitars and a very powerful vocal performance by Jesse Hasek. “I can’t let you go, slow down, don’t leave. Dying days of my youth, overtakes me,” is from the chorus of the song. Once the chorus picks up the drums kick in and the emotions take over. It is an excellent song.
Then there is the acoustic “So Long, Good-Bye” which is the softest song on the album.
“So long, this is good-bye, may we meet again in another life,” is about a relationship between two people that couldn’t last. I strongly advise you not to listen to this song if you’ve recently gone through a breakup because it will make you think about that person for a long time and leave you in tears. On a side note, it is a melody that you can not miss.
“Proud of You” is albums so called “closer” and I say “closer” because if you get the Best Buy version then you get two bonus tracks with it. It still has the same emotional effect as the other melodies except this time it features a nice piano tune and is a bit more uplifting than some of the other tracks. “Please, don’t be afraid whether you win or lose. I just want you to know that I’m proud of you.” At least this one doesn’t leave you down in the dumps. The vocals are a bit softer and towards the end you can hear a female voice humming. It is another very solid track.
Now, not all songs on the album are depressing and soft as the three that I mentioned. In fact, one of the main highlights would be the opening track titled, “Actions and Motives”. This is a song that shows you what 10 Years is all about. It is a standard rock song with catchy lyrics, but is still able to maintain it’s own uniqueness that separate it from other rock songs that you would hear over the radio. This song will get stuck in your head for a while after the first listen.
The albums first single, “Beautiful”, may not be as strong as some of the other tracks off the album, but still has some positive points to it that make it a memorable track. The reason why this album is so great is the fact that each song on it becomes memorable. Whether it’s the heavy distinct guitar riffs from “Alabama” or the calming psychedelic feeling that comes from “Focus”, you will always find something from each song that you can differ from the others. The album also seems to get stronger and stronger as it goes in to the later tracks.
There is one flaw to this album that should be mentioned. The Autumn Effect featured some complex lyrics that made the listener think about what they really meant. Division seems to have made the lyrics a bit simpler so that the listener can understand it more clearly. The lyrics are sung very well, but they might seem a little too simple for fans who are expecting more from their previous album.
Division has no problems whatsoever when it comes to vocal performance. Jesse Hasek gives it his all on every song with his growl of a voice, and the guitar riffs blend in nicely. Brian Vodinh does a solid job on drums, and Lewis Cosby does a decent job on bass. This is a very well produced album by everyone involved in it. For people who love alternative rock or just rock in general, this is a must have for all fans. I promise you it will not disappoint.
1. Actions and Motives- 5/5
2. Just Can’t Win- 4/5
3. Beautiful- 3.5/5
4. 11:00 AM (Daydreamer)- 4/5
5. Dying Youth- 5/5
6. Russian Roulette- 4/5
7. Focus- 5/5
8. Drug of Choice- 4/5
9. Picture Perfect (In Your Eyes)- 4/5
10. All Your Lies- 4.5/5
11. So Long, Good-Bye- 5/5
12. Alabama- 5/5
13. Proud of You- 5/5
As I mentioned earlier, if you purchase the Best Buy version of this album it comes with two bonus tracks. In my opinion, the addition of “Scream at the Walls” and “Cycle of Life” make the album feel complete. Both songs seem to sum up the overall feel of the album quite nicely, so I would advise you to pick up this version of the album.
