|
This sounds a bit like Days of the New, a band I am not so fond of. The acoustic arrangements and folksy melodies that kick off Trails Out of Gloom have that radio friendly 90’s alt-rock quality. Plus, vocalist Doug Harrison may not have that somewhat nasal edge of Days of the New’s Travis Meek, but he certainly uses his vocals with similar affection, in many cases carrying the melodic load beyond the point where the music ain’t allowed.
Second cut “Through the Night” follows a similar path. Subtle acoustics serve as mushy background to another soft number. The track builds beyond the humble ambition of Days of the New though. Well-placed keyboards inside and after a Cantrell-esque solo and grungy metal riff our doubts may prove wrong. The songs that follow are actually better but not much more.
“The World is Young” doesn’t shed of past memories, but it is also eager to capitalize in a grander sound and bulkier structures. I am surprised because I have read it all about how Fen is a progressive rock band. If so, this is surprisingly stripped down. Fen favors the song instead of the usual complicated requirements. Those into 90’s alt rock will do well sinking their teeth into this. Others, searching for more volume and less subtlety will finish off just as hungry. Despite all, in Trails Out of Gloom acoustic guitars and nice melodies rule, and the smell (stench for some) of a decade’s past is oh so ever present.
MySpace
|
|
