Watered Down: A Music Review

The Bronx - The Bronx
(8.3 of 10)






The Bronx's debut album (also self-titled), back in 2003, blew my innards outwards and then back in with their raw, disorganized, hardcore music. Now back with their sophomore effort, their music seems to have matured, or should I say watered down.

It might come as a surprise to someone who's been listening to the band who gave us the song "Heart Attack American" and then deliver us the poppy sounds of "White Guilt" on their second album. Some other songs are more radio friendly as well but there's still enough rouch stuff in here that makes the album worth listening to. "Shitty Future" for example fits with my current dystopian mood and the plain rock n' roll sound of "Transexual Blackout".

A lot of former fans, the one who got used to their hardcore and disorderly music, will most likely hate this album. Nonetheless, it's still find this album entertaining enough and would suggest to those who are unfamiliar with The Bronx to get it.

Other Reviews

Head Automatica - Popaganda
(8.7 of 10)



Head Automatica's second effort is also a let down. But it's still good compared to what's out there right now. They've eschewed most of their dance/disco rock theme -though some of the tracks like "K Horse" and "Egyptian Musk" still retains the dance rock elements- in favor for a new powerpop sound of the late 70's and early 80's, as their album name suggests. Like their first album, Decadence, the sounds are really retro but with gritty lyrics and vocals.

A.F.I. - Decemberunderground
(8.5 of 10)



AFI's follow up to their exemplary work in 2003's Sing the Sorrow is also another let down. It's different and it's underwhelmed by Sing the Sorrow, but I like it better than their previous works. Most of the sounds in the album pays homage to new wave. Songs like "37mm" and "Love Like Winter" reminds me a lot of New Order and Depeche Mode.

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - Don't You Fake It
(8.0 of 10)



The debut album from The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus is mediocre, nothing special or artsy soundscapes whatsoever. But sometimes, it's just the simplicity and the sincerity of the music that draws us in. TRJA is an upstart pop rock band that incorporate little elements from punk, alternative, emo, and metal. Most of the songs are catchy, espeically "False Pretense" and "Face Down", and would probably get much attention from teen hipsters out there.