Haunting Truths

In a previous post, I had covered the new album by Adler, Back From The Dead.  In the post, I talked about the vintage 80's style sound that the record had.  Well, if that wasn't enough for you, then this next post is just for you.

Adler has recently announced that they will be going on tour.  The "Back From The Dead" tour will start its U.S. leg on March 2 and make it's way east as the summer closes.  The European crowd isn't left out in the cold either. The European end of the tour starts in September.

Under My Skin cover

Speaking of 80s kinds of sounds, here is another "classic" sound for your enjoyment.  Modern Superstar takes pages from a number of hair-metal bands such as Bon Jovi's gang vocals, Motley Crue's  guitar sounds, and shades of Axl Rose in the vocal melodies (including a great falsetto).  My personal favorite part of the mix goes to the drums - naturally.  The drum mix is really solid, and has a great snare sound!  Overall, the record - called Under My Skin - has some good things happening.  There are sonic walls of sound, but you aren't overwhelmed.  The album has nice breaks in the sonic profile that allow you to digest what you're hearing.  Depending on how you look at it, Modern Superstar may be one of the only bands I've ever known to mention texting in a song.  Not just in the song, but the chorus! The title even reflect the culture, "Txt U Gud'Bye"...nice guys.

Modern Superstar

Not everything is perfect on this album though. Some of the stylistic choices fall flat, as well as some of the guitars solo work. The second half of the album, in general, seems slower than the first, and some of the effects are overdone or awkward.  Overall, the lyrics seem lethargic in nature. I was hoping for more energy in the vocal lines, especially with a Motley Crue influence.



Be sure to check out more of Modern Superstar on their website, Facebook, Reverb Nation and Twitter!




While we're on the subject of "classics", allow me to mention some reunions that are currently happening - which in my opinion, SHOULDN'T!

Wang Chung, most noted for their extremely "poppy" snare sounds and the song "Everyone Have Fun Tonight", has come back.  Tazer Up released in December of last year.  This is the first all new album from the group in 23 years!  If you're interested be sure to give it a listen here.

Also making the comeback list is Black Sabbath.  They are currently in the studio working on a new record.  I'm honestly not sure about this piece of news. I've never been a fan of Ozzy, but I know a lot of people are.  My honest question is, can he still do it?  Not only him, but the rest of the band, do they still have it?  I guess we will find out.  If you want to hear about the album, and read some interviews with Sabbath's members, be sure to check out Revolver Magazine.

Black Sabbath comes back

That's all for now!  With all these comebacks, and classic styles coming back, I wonder when grunge and punk are coming back?  Got some thoughts?  Leave some comments!