Every band would like to imagine that they sport an entirely original sound, but know that (in reality) they peddle songs that are slightly modified composites of their influences. Nowhere is this more apparent than on Dead Poetic's debut, where the overall sound initially seems quite unique sensitive emo meets angst-driven metalcore but, when broken down, is a simple enmeshing of The Juliana Theory and Zao, with the closest comparison being Poison the Well.
Most crucially, however, it is a successful enmeshing that oozes self-confidence. Solidity is the defining feature of this album: solid melodies, tight rhythmic backing and strong and consistent vocals, which vary in scope from the weedy milksop who can't hold down a girlfriend to the tormented, roaring mountain man (also single and loathing it).
In truth, there is not much to separate one song from the next. Clean melody followed by a hardcore breakdown, or vice-versa, with an occasional section of punk snotiness, is the formula employed throughout the album. The interplay of styles is forfeited only on "Bliss Leaving Eyes" (a title that screams EMO), a fragile acoustic tune that incorporates some sub boy-band harmonies (a la The Juliana Theory) into a mournful refrain of:
Play it one more time for me
Cause my heart is full of loneliness
And this world is full of loneliness
Play it one more time for me
Cause the struggles of this world are blistering
Other bands have better melodies, and others deliver more convincing hardcore, but this record is neither. The sum is truly greater than its parts, which are, if taken individually, palatable but somewhat superfluous. In a market currently hungry for the marriage of heavier sounds with pop sensibilities, this could well be poised for success. With this record Dead Poetic is on the runway. Another one or two till takeoff.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis August 2002Reviewed by Nate BaileyDead Poetic is releasing "Four Wall Blackmail," their debut with Solid State records. They formed in 1997 and are from Dayton, OH. Dead Poetic is a new addition to Solid State. Their sound is what I like to call "Sing-Song Hardcore." It's a growing sound that has been popularized by Thursday. While one might compare D.P. to Thursday, I have no problem promoting them as better. For one, the…Art for the Ears 2002Reviewed by Marco PovervestWhen I put on this CD it was like playing a new Embodyment CD, with a different singer. Musically the comparison is easily made as Dead Poetic seems to pour from the same sources. They also took the same producer and the two bands will be touring together soon. Yet Dead Poetic isn't a copycat band. The first track might easily have been written by Embodyment, the next couple of songs are showing…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Trae CadenheadThe creation of original sounding music must be quite a formidable task these days. With the thousands of bands and artists that have gutted the market, carving a niche outside of the ordinary is becoming more and more difficult. Thus, it should not come as a surprise that virtually every new Tooth & Nail band that has come along in recent days has borne some kind of striking resemblance to…Similar sounding releases
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