2008 Woodie Awards
Spill Canvas fails to impress with new disc
Skye McIntyre: Collegian Staff
Issue date: 11/8/07 Section: Arts & Living
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One would hope that with three albums already under their belt, the South Dakota based quartet could produce a disc that breaks free of the monotony of most so-called "emo" and alternative-rock music.
Unfortunately, this is not the case. The angsty CD feels commonplace at best, and exceedingly contrived at worst, failing to give fans and those unfamiliar with the music of The Spill Canvas something fresh or exciting in any interpretation of the words.
Guitarists and vocalists Nick Thomas and Dan Ludeman, bassist Landon Heil, and drummer Joe Beck, falter in their combined effort to write and record songs that convince the listener to push past the drudgery of the CD's first track, "Reckless Abandonment," a song whose bridge includes the lyrics: "We are earthquakes. We are tidal waves. We're destruction at its finest. We are lava in the Caves."
The second song is hardly less excruciating in parts, as the line, "Why can't you just love me back," is crooned over and over again in a pathetic and begging manner. However, it is the most infectious and radio-friendly as showcased by its catchy chorus - perhaps the reason the track called "All Over You" was recently released as the first single. "All Over You" is also currently a featured music video on Myspace.com.
It would have been helpful for the band to spend their time and money on collaborating with artists Andrew McMahon of Jack's Mannequin and Anthony Green of Circa Survive, or a writer specializing in song titles instead. After all, "Bleed, Everyone's Doing It" leaves little desire to listen to the song, and it is another track not recommended.
McMahon and Green's contribution to the disc is unfortunately likely to go unnoticed since their piano, organ and keyboard work is over-ridden by Heil and Beck's quick riffs and incessant beats.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Autum
posted 3/26/08 @ 1:06 PM EST
Are you kidding me?
I have been a faithful fan of TSC since their first cd, and I would most definitely say this is the best. I'm sorry if it's not the latest American Idol, but these songs connect with the listeners. (Continued…)
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