IN.SPITE.OF
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
It's hard to describe the sound of in.spite.of. Based on the band's website (http://www.inspiteofmusic.com), you might get the impression that they're a heavy metal band in the mold of Godsmack or Rage Against the Machine. The chunking music that plays as their webpage loads might further convince you.
But as you listen to the band's CD, "Metaphor," you realize that in.spite.of isn't nearly as hard or as heavy as Godsmack or Rage. Instead, the band's sound is closer to that of 311, Thursday or maybe even a rock band like the Spin Doctors. The songs on "Metaphor" are extremely well-written, radio-friendly, quasi-alternative rockers that would never qualify as heavy metal but might squeeze into the hard rock genre.
There's a reason that "Metaphor" brings to mind those other bands - it's all in the production. "Metaphor" was produced by Sal Villanueva, who has produced CDs by Thursday and Taking Back Sunday. Villanueva has the same success here, giving in.spite.of more than a fighting chance to get some airplay, but giving them an edge that won't turn fans of heavier music away at the same time.
Of course, it takes more than production to make a great band - it takes talent. Fortunately, in.spite.of has plenty of that.
in.spite.of: Raj Narayanan - Bass; Jeff Milstein - Drums; Davin Alson - Vocals, Guitars; Joe Maranzani - Vocals, Guitars.
For more information, check out http://www.inspiteofmusic.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 © 2003 by R. Scott Bolton. All
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Revised: 29 Dec 2019 15:34:22 -0500
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