Review Summary: Do we honestly need another Tool? Yes.
Do we honestly need another Tool impersonator? Unless it's by Rick Miller, no.
The alt-metal scene is a funny thing, really. When you ask most alternative metal bands to list their primary influences, Tool is always going to be on it, no matter how little the band actually sounds like Tool. This is especially common with vocalists, with many vocalists citing Maynard James Keenan as a major influence, even if their vocals come out as generic sounding, without the degree of emotion that Keenan puts into his. Some vocalists succeed in copying Keenan’s vocal style and succeed in adding some life to their singing, while others simply listen to Keenan’s vocally intense moments, and clone those vocals. Earshot is the latter.
Tool similarities end with the vocals. Instrumentally wise, Earshot has none of Tool’s subtle complexity, raw simplicity, or arrogant creativity. In that sense, you could just as easily compare them to A Perfect Circle. There’s occassional melodic crunchy guitar riffs that back Will Martin’s vocals well, somewhat audible basslines, generic drumming, and generic vocals. In other words, generic. Perfect for a guilty pleasure, terrible for trying to impress overly pretentious audiophiles (the Dream Theater fans of alternative metal)
However, despite the generic structure of the songs in the album, Earshot succeeds in pulling off many grand melodies. The opening tracks to the album provide some dazzling choruses. The album opener, “Wait”, provides a strong start to the album, with a quirky, catchy, and energetic chorus. “Tongue Tied” is just as strong, but with an almost eerily calming effect in the chorus. “Fall Apart” continues with the formula of having a redeeming chorus to finish off some somewhat enjoyable verses. By then, the formula has already lost its charm, and by the time we get to songs like “Rotten Inside”, as uplifting as the chorus sounds despite its title, the song will sound horribly bland and recycled, and not in the good eco-friendly way. After a few more equally as repetitive songs, the listener will begin to lose any sense of distinction. There’s nothing in the comparably soft verses that makes the song stand out. The choruses’ catchy charm is the only thing which could really keep a listener hooked.
Instrumentally wise, this album is just plain radio-friendly generic alternative metal. The guitars play plenty of power chords, play occassional good riffs, and help provide some of the rhythm. The bass, when it’s audible, is decent, but with nothing you haven’t heard from Three Days Grace before. The drumming, solid, but not innovative or unique. Just beats going off at the right time with complementing cymbal crashes during a chorus.
If you want a guilty pleasure album, this is it. If you want to add to your tower of alt-metal records featuring bands like Chevelle, Breaking Benjamin, and Staind, this album is perfect. If you want something that will blow you away, stay away from this album. If you want something to listen to because you were absolutely bored out of your skull like yours truly was, this album can be pretty entertaining.
Recommended Tracks:
Wait
Tongue Tied
Fall Apart
Again
