AND THIS ARMY

"Doom & Space" (Self-produced)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

After listening closely and carefully to And This Army's "Doom & Space," I must admit I'm a little confused. Repeated listenings gave me no further insight. I'm still not sure what the band was trying to accomplish.

With a mild rock base and vocals that fall somewhere between Devo's Mark Mothersbaugh and The B-52's Fred Schneider (yeah, you read that right), "Doom & Space" is an eccentric collection of songs that's part alternative rock, part space rock and part new wave. 

Most distracting here is the vocal style. Vocalist Brendan McDermott has got to cut out the annoying tremolo. It's enough to make you reach for the off button way before the CD is over. It's not that McDermott is an untalented singer; there are several passages on the CD where he shines. But the over-used tremolo effect wears out its welcome really fast ... like on track 2.

I guess "Doom & Space" is weird enough for those who lean toward the lighter alternative sound, but those looking for a heavier, more traditional sound best steer away. 

For more information, check out www.andthisarmy.com

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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Copyright ? 2005 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
Revised: 18 Mar 2024 12:34:55 -0500.