Autumn War enter the world of music with some modernized '80s classic rock. Solid rock and roll musicianship, only slightly dated, that flirts with funk and hard rock. Strong, clear, and soaring mid-range vocals ready for the arena. There's even a guitar solo in the harder title track. The latter two songs are more mellow and atmospheric, and all three songs reach 4-5 minutes. The moody, whispered "Goodbye California" is my pick for the best track, although "Dark Gods" is pretty compelling as well. The mix is clear and resonant, but the guitars become too weak and distant when the distortion kicks in, robbing the choruses of needed power. They need a meatier tone when they wanna rock.
This is a promising demo for a band that could obviously do much more with a bigger studio budget and a producer. Whether anybody's going to cut a break for a straight rock band in today's market...that's for the suits to decide.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Ken MuellerAutumn War is a rock foursome from the Chicago area that is currently preparing for their first full-length CD release. Their current release is the CD single "Camera" featuring two other songs: "Goodbye, California" and "Dark Gods." Interestingly enough, "Camera" is probably the least interesting song on the disc. Lyrically, it discusses the global tragedies that we see on the news each night,…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Kerry MaffeoThis four piece modern rock outfit, based in Chicago brings their edgy groove-rock to the table with this three track EP. Citing influences ranging from Soundgarden to King's X to Lenny Kravitz, Autumn War comes complete with heavy vocals, huge riffs and a killer bass core. Though their albums to date have only been EP and single releases, work is now in progress for a full-length album -- which…
