Review Summary: Newcomers "The Becoming" craft a solid debut record showing great promise for the future.
Tooth and Nail records has never had the most diverse lineup. Most of the bands on their roster have similar sounds, until now. Newcomers to the label: "The Becoming", has provided a disc of 13 fresh tracks that will surely put Tooth and Nail back on the map. Haunting piano, chords, brooding vocals and catchy melodies flow through the album giving the listener an enjoyable and refreshing listen.
The greatest strength that the becoming has is their main vocalist Caleb Owens. His voice lingers on every track, providing a haunting listen that sends chills down the listener's spine. His voice is not a high pitched squeal like most vocalists nowadays, but a deep and brooding voice filled with passion and emotion. Dustinn Lowry (vocals and guitar) has a decent voice too, but the band would have been better off without his vocals added into the mix.
On Vol 1., each track is a very different experience. "I Cry" sounds like it was made for radio while "Your Love" sounds like an upbeat pop punk song. "Somebody Didn't Come Home Last Night" is the only ballad on the album, and it conveys a sense of urgency that is very clear to listener. The band employs the use of synthesizers on a couple tracks, but it does not sound forced and fits right in with the song, complementing it rather than hindering it.
The guitars, drums, and piano on this record is nothing extravagant, but provides the perfect musical bed for Caleb's haunting voice. The band uses keys on almost every track, creating the true gothic rock sound that the band was shooting for.
This album is not without flaws, however. Sometimes the lyrics can be a bit cheesy (listen to "Your Love") and sound a little bit forced. Other than that, there are no major problems with this record.
Overall, The Becoming has provided a solid album that will appeal to gothic rock fans, and pull in new fans along the way. If you are looking for a great new band to listen to, here they are. This is a great debut record and one can only hope to see what The Becoming will do in the future.
Recommended Tracks:
"I Cry"
"Under The Full Eclipse"
"We're Already Dead"
"Escape You"
"Somebody Didn't Come Home Last Night"
