Review Summary: Awolnation has a bright future if this modern symphony is just some of the first music to come from the group.
Awolnation, an electronic rock band formed in 2010, has much promise with the successful release of their first full LP. Front man Aaron Bruno and his band mates dove into the electronic rock genre came out victors from the start.
Structurally, this album is one of the most randomly put together albums I have heard. The entire album seems jumbled, which adds to the entire vibe of this album! There are similar melodies and vocals bridges in the album that pave a path to the end of the album. The snippets put in such as "Some Sort of Creature", "My Nightmares Dream", and the intro to "All I need" really enhance the album and add a reoccurring theme that really helps tie the madness together. When listened to all the way through, it is truly (as suggested by the title) a symphony.
At first I found the lyrics extremely confusing, and I hated the lyrical style; entire songs such as "People" and "Guilty Filthy Soul" seemed almost incoherent. After doing a little research on the album's meaning I came across an interview with front man Aaron Bruno who desired, "people interpret the lyrics and the concept and the message for their own and not read too much into it literally. Because a lot of the lyrics are metaphors for life situations that I've been in, and I encourage people to create their own meaning for it out of it all," (mtv.com). The more times you listen to this, the more connections you are able to make with everyday occurrences in your life, making the lyrics interesting to say the least.
Awolnation took after many other modern rock bands with synth-lead melodies and upbeat choruses, yet the beauty in their composition hides in what they have done differently.
• First of all, the vocals can stand alone because of the pure emotion that is thrown into most of the songs. Aaron Bruno's high range is really a talent that should be envied, and his delivery could be described as a ranting mixed with story telling.
• Secondly, the band beyond doubt, tried to make every song sound different. While most songs rely on effects from synthesizers, the band does a great job creating a new listening experience throughout the album. One of the most unique tracks on the album is "Guilty Filthy Soul," which mixes A cappella with instruments in a strange time signature. Delivered at the halfway point, this song really adds spice to the listening experience.
• Next, what I often do not hear in other electronic bands, is a live sounding drum set. The percussion, whether being modulated or cut in and out such as in "Sail", is a strong point on this album and sounds very fluid.
• I absolutely loved the complexity of the all the different parts. The vocals have really well blended harmony, and the instrumentals do not ever detract from the songs.
• The final point that amazed me with this album was the essence that the musicians behind this album made what THEY wanted and did not conform to what is popular in electronic bands these days. The prime example is the 15 minute closing track "Knights of Shame." This funk based piece has three major shifts, from electronic intro into a hip-hop/ R&B feeling middle, and lastly transitions into an acoustic/electronic ballad. Though this song was utterly confusing the first few listens, I have grown to appreciate it.
In the end, we are left with an album that the average listener will probably not appreciate, but will grow on the patient listener. The catchy music writing in this and remarkable structure are enough to keep me coming back, but the subtle nuances I find after each listen is what truly keeps me believing that this is one my favorite albums I pop in. I highly recommend a dedicated listen, and if at first you find it mediocre, rinse and repeat, the second helping might surprise you.
