Review Summary: Incredibly catchy, but lacking originality, Luna is a fun, energetic record that you should definitely pick up.
In my group of friends, I am the music guy. If my friends are listening to it, I’ve heard of it. I’ve been responsible for introducing bands like Mr. Bungle, Porcupine Tree, and Cynic to my school, a school which would otherwise be marred with nothing but boring radio rock and the usual tired beats of this week’s most popular rap artist. So imagine my surprise when my friend shows me a band called National Product. For the first time, the words, “Never heard of them,” came out of my mouth as I took his laptop and hit play on the band’s Myspace player. My surprise grew to new levels when I heard what National Product’s debut, Luna, had to offer; this was really catchy radio rock in the vein of all that reigns supreme in popular music today. So why had I never heard of them? That’s a question that probably has no answer, but in any case, I’m glad I’ve heard of them now. Luna is mainstream rock at its finest, featuring catchy hooks, some awesome vocals, and rock-solid production. It may not be by any means original, but it sure is fun.
By All Means is, in my opinion, one of the greatest songs ever recorded. This is hands-down one of the catchiest songs I have ever heard, and it has me nearly blowing out my vocal chords trying to hit it’s incredibly high notes in the car on almost a daily basis. This is the song that got me into National Product. When it starts, it almost sounds like a Classic Crime song with a familiar guitar riff. However, all comparisons stop there, because the vocals are much different. Vocalist Danny Casler possesses a very diverse range, displaying some respectable screams and a good mid-range voice. What’s special about him are the high notes; it’s amazing that he can hit them when his usual voice really isn’t that high. All around, this track is just stellar. It makes you want to go run a mile or at least watch Rocky. I can’t get enough of it.
The only problem with having the best song on the album be the first one is that it has the potential to make the rest of the album a letdown. Fortunately, the remaining eleven tracks of Luna offer enough value of their own to stay out of this trap. Medicated is a standard radio rock number, but offer plenty of catchiness. Love Me is a great acoustic love ballad, and I wouldn’t be surprised to hear it at my school’s next Open Mic Night. Valentine is a fast song with some great percussion and a driving rhythm guitar line and an awesome line. It’s also another of my favorite vocal tracks. Paper & Ink features double-layered vocals on the verses, each in a different pitch, and a catchy chorus.
Where Do You Go is another acoustic ballad, and it sounds a lot like a Secondhand Serenade song at first. Fortunately it is saved midway by bringing in the electric guitar and drums, changing it into an uplifting rock song with an interesting synth-laden bridge. This is another of my favorite songs on the album.
Sean Song is the first song on the album to feature a prominent bass line, adding some welcome punch to another great song. The album ends with Explode, which is not a driving, hard rock closer as you might expect it to be. Instead it starts off very softly, and features acoustic guitar all the way through. However, it switches on and off between these soft sections and high energy choruses, driving lead lines and background synth. It’s the most diverse song on the record.
National Product have really impressed with Luna. This is a solid record from beginning to end with no weak tracks to speak of. While it may not be original, Luna is a pleasure for the ears and should be picked up by anyone who loves a good rock record.
Recommended tracks:
By All Means
Valentine
Paper & Ink
Where Do You Go
Explode
