Review Summary: Often, just good clean fun.
Maybe it's because I attend the University of Oregon, that I find myself caring, but I'm still shocked that Floater had not been added to the database as they seem to attract just the kind of fans, I find sometimes floating around here. (Pun may or may not be intended). I'm no fan boy, and surely after reviewing this album I have no intentions of taking the eternal oath to become one, but still I considered Floater somewhat "big". Ah, but enough of my marketing ploys for the band, especially if I'm not being paid for it.
Floater are great, if you've yet to listen to a single song from the band I suggest you close this tab and open up IMEEM or some other music streaming site. A Eugene,OR* based band, I can still recall the days I was annoyed by roommate endlessly listening to this cd. Looking back, I wish I had paid attention, cause I missed so much I can only observe and forewarn now, in hopes they can maybe revolutionize someone else's life. First off, they know how to control the mood and tempo of their albums so well, and they're latest [which is a relative term since this album was release in '06] album does not disappoint. Opener
An Apology is an excellent was to showcase the bands total package, offering up several little appetizers all completing one great feast.
Robert Wynia lead singer and bass player, makes his presence known in both areas, as he's the centerpiece of this bands cohesive unit. Often times were carried through canyons and mountain peaks with him bridging the gap, lyric wise/instrumentally, between some of the albums subtle moments, or we soar with him and the band as they fire on all cylinders best noted in
In Transition. The song offers a beautiful bass intro, coupled with the albums best singing experience, we get everything from somber sung notes to Wynia belting his guts out towards the end.
Some of the sounds this band likes to incorporate range all the way from; Tool to Tom Petty to even some reggae influence on
Weightless a true stand out. All the while, Floater is able to integrate all the sounds well, as they stay tight and don't try anything they know they won't be able to pull of. They feel comfortable within their element the entire time you're listening and it makes for a very enjoyable listen. For you Tool fanatics check out the albums best song,
Helping Hands which has a looming presence to it, introducing us with eerie vocal effects coupled with a sick riff.
There are some down points here and there, though the it may feel wrong to suggest but not completely out of the question, you fill a bit of the "Filler Blues" on songs like
Breakdown and
Everything Falls Our Way, but on the bright side, there is no stale residue of "Second Half Depression" where the band ultimately fails to create the same effect and produce the same quality as observed on the first half of the disc.
Last Word: I recommend this band, especially for this time of the year as they seem like a summer band. Floater manage to stay just a step above the likes of
Live in terms of heaviness, but just softer than
Pearl Jam, so if you ever find yourself in that range, definitely ride this wave.
Recommended tracks include;
Helping Hands,
Weightless,
An Apology
*Fun Fact: Oregon is one of two states you can't pump your own gas in.
