Statement (2000)
I don’t know if I like their sound as a general rule…some bands have such a great sound that even their weaker tracks retain some interest. I find the lead singer quite obnoxious and loud (I know, loud isn’t necessarily bad. But obnoxious certainly is). His voice just rubs me the wrong way. What saves this album (and, for now, this group) for me is the power and momentum of the music. The loneliness of the long-distance rocker.
(“What A Day”, “Endure”)
Grade: B-
Development (2002)
Sometimes grades are relatively easy to give. Other times I think (or try to) and consider the possible placement based on several factors. I don’t think there is anything here that could at least be called “decent”. I’m so happy they made it easier for me. Anything at all would have taxed my brain.
Grade: F
Recoil (2004)
A quantum leap forward from a total music disaster, this album features enough hooks and melody (REALLY!) to make it a decent hard-rock statement. The real winner is in Spanish, so I don’t know exactly what it’s about, but it’s angry (like all the other songs here) and catchy. Now let’s hope they don’t fall backwards again into utter failure.
(“Rabia”)
Grade: B-