On their second at-bat for BEC Recordings Cadet has definitely kicked things up a notch. First they added a fourth-wheel in the form of keyboardist and guitarist Matt Lenhart. Then they worked up a batch of 11 killer pop songs (or 12 if you count the hidden dance-club disco remix of "High Tide") Frontman and vocalist Ryan Smith brings his impeccable pipes and a sack full of thoughtful and hooky tunes and the new formula is complete. The tasty and tight instrumentation ranges from catchy pop to driving alternative modern-rock, all with an irresistible sense of purpose and melody ingrained throughout.
The disc opens with the acoustic layered power-pop of "Nobody," moves into the Weezer favoring "Blame" and then back down a notch to the slower-burning but still driving "Change My Name." "Come Alive" slows things down considerably towards the end of the disc and "Wishing Well" brings an alt-country feel to the set with harmonica and a sauntering laid-back rhythm. In fact, all traces of the band's surfy pop-punk debut are gone and a mature batch of intelligent modern pop-rock songs is offered instead. Just like that, a trio that had all the earmarks of a one-trick-pony pop punk group at best, transforms into an intelligent and interesting career band.
With the release of Observatory Cadet has made great strides towards continued relevance in an all too fickle music scene. This Ryan Smith kid is one to watch.
Editors' ratings — Doug 2.5/5, Lonny 2/5
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Josh McConnellCadet (no, not the dry cleaners, the band) has recently released their sophomore release titled The Observatory. While it is a little different soundwise from their previous endeavor, it is still a really enjoyable album overall. The group has left their punk-like sound and has now brought a rockier adventure for us to enjoy. This is noticeable as soon as you pop it in and start listening to…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Jessica HeikoopCadet has been known for their entertaining music style and lyrics, thanks to their first album (Cadet) and hit single "God Man (Jesus Is My Superhero)." The band continued that reputation with their 2nd release Any Given Day which contained some fabulous covers of worship songs as well. And now Ryan Smith, Chad Basom, Jason Kennedy, and new member (since 2002) Matt Lenhart have come back to…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Bert GanglThe 2001 self-titled debut from Eugene, Oregon's Cadet seemed almost like the work of two groups. On the one hand, songs such as "Precious One" and "Land of the Living" highlighted an outfit well-versed in the subtle intricacies of the achingly sweet, three-and-a-half-minute classic pop odes of artists like the Beach Boys and the Raspberries. Tracks like "Talent Show" and the equally…Similar sounding releases
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