THE HAWTHORNE EFFECT


"A Study in Motivation" (Self-released; 2006)

Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter

Despite the brevity of demos, reviewing them can be a significant challenge. Typically, four song demos simply aren’t enough material for any reviewer to properly judge the talent and skills of a band. However, this is not the case with The Hawthorne Effect’s “A Study in Motivation.” 

“A Study in Motivation” finds The Hawthorne Effect pushing the envelope – there is ample proof in the disc’s four songs that something special can be heard. “A Study in Motivation” finds the middle ground between chaotic hardcore/screamo and technical progressive metal. This is interesting music – the band has poise and seems confident at all turns.

The Hawthorne Effect sounds current and primed to evolve as the band moves forward in further solidifying their own style. Actually, some music reviewers would probably argue they’ve made significant strides in that direction already. The future looks bright for The Hawthorne Effect as they mature in both their musical and song-writing skills.

“A Study in Motivation” is a great four-song demo; in fact, it’s probably the best demo I heard in all of 2006.

“A Study in Motivation” was produced by The Hawthorne Effect and Eric Arena.

The Hawthorne Effect: Greg Southworth on vocals, Marcus de Lisle on guitar and vocals, Kevin Mattos on guitar, piano, keyboards, and vocals, Steve Micallef on bass and vocals, and Rob Micallef on drums and percussion.

For more information visit www.myspace.com/thehawthorneeffect


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 © 2007 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
Revised: 15 Apr 2024 16:45:43 -0400.