Boston space rockers Cave In release their long awaited major label debut on RCA. Catch the band on tour promoting their new album in March and April.
At long, long last! Cave In's major label debut and follow-up to 2000's Jupiter hits the shelves. Jupiter part 2 this is not. In the past this Boston quartet have shown us they have mastered being one of the best metal bands and mastered constructing a prog/art metal/space rock opus. Now the band is ready to show us that they are here to destroy modern rock radio. Not that Cave In has written an album full of ear candy... but there are plenty of songs on this long player that best anything currently clogging up the airwaves while still loosely following the rules of a radio-friendly hit. One of those rules being that a song has a strong hook. Cave In has plenty to spare. The space rock/prog sound is still deeply imbedded in the audio assault of Cave In's songs, but the band has channeled that into a bit more focused direction. The multi-layering of guitar overdubs helps this disc surround and engulf you in sonic glory. Cave In use delays, reverbs, and echoes on their guitars like nobody else. Pink Floyd would have been proud. Add to that the warmth of some fine analog production. The band really took advantage of the time and money a major label budget allows. The slightly more "radio friendly" Cave In may turn off a few fans, but honestly this album has raised the standard in what a mainstream rock album should be. There are the charging, fist-pumping rockers(Anchor, Rubber and Glue, Penny Racer), the epic space rock masterpiece(Sea Frost) and the catchy pop songs(Lost In The Air, Inspire) along with a half dozen other pieces of beautifully crafted rock music. Lyrically singer/guitarist Stephen Brodsky deals with topics such as divorce(Woodwork), relationships(Joy Opposites), growing older(Youth Overrided), and Kurt Cobain(Beautiful Son). I could go on and on about this disc... every musician in this band is an ace at his instrument, including the vocals. These are Brodsky's finest melodies and he's in top form on the falsetto parts. Bassist Caleb Scofield keeps it interesting without overplaying and is often the anchor of a song while Brodsky's and McGrath's guitars wander off into the atmosphere. "Youth Overrided" is a fine example of this. And what prog/space influenced band is complete without a solid time keeper behind the traps? J.R. Conners easily joins the ranks of Peart and Mason in that department. Bottom line, Antenna is a masterpiece and announces to the mainstream rock world that Cave In have arrived and they don't intend to exit easily.
A+
Similar sounding releases
2005ThriceVheissu
2004LovedrugPretend You're Alive
2005Sides of the NorthThe Incurable Romantic
2005Tokyo RoseNew American Saint
2004The Beautiful MistakeThis Is Who You Are
2004Melissa Auf Der MaurAuf Der Maur
