Anthology should be at the front of the most-wanted alternative hits bin. It’s plain and simple, a good rock album. Each song contains hard-hitting guitar riffs, ever-present drum talent, and lyrics that everyone can relate to. It’s an album you can listen to over and over again without becoming bored or agitated. Helping to form this album was producer Jay Baumgardner, who has added to the success of such bands as Papa Roach and Orgy. I predict that this will be another victory he can add to his resume.
“Courage” has an amazing guitar part played over the top of a subliminal message, which is later the chorus. This song is addictive and makes you want to sing and air guitar along. Lead singer Dryden Mitchell describes his music as being guitar-based and “Whisper” proves it. The talent of guitarist Terry Corso is put on a pedestal as the rest of the instruments take a back-seat ride on this song. A hardcore feel is brought into effect on the sixth track on the album, “Sticks and Stones”. This song takes the old clique and twists it into what everyone thinks it should be.
“Happy Death Day” slows down the pace and makes a ballad-sounding song. It describes the death of a lover and the pain it causes. It is more on the depressing side though. And who would’ve ever thought that a Michel Jackson song could be made into an alternative rock song? Check out Alien Ant Farm’s rendition of “Smooth Criminal”. It’s pretty good.
The album ends in rock tradition with a hidden track called “Orange Appeal”. It’s nothing special, but it’s a song only patient people will be interested in hearing. This band may not have an original sound, but they are one of the better rock bands coming out right now. For their first shot at a national release, Anthology is an amazing feat. You should definitely pick up this album before you get sick of hearing it in constant rotation on the radio.
+ Mary Dickinson
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