Rough Edge: Seether CD Reviews

SEETHER

"Karma and Effect" (Wind-up Records; 2005)

Reviewed by Snidermann

As I sit and listen to the Seether's "Karma and Effect" I try to remember where I heard the band's sound before. And then it comes to me: they sound like early Stone Temple Pilots.

Still, as strong as this recording is (and it is undeniably strong) the music and lyrics are far too dark and depressing to really get into, let alone enjoy. "Karma and Effect" is not a happy listening experience and -- if the music isn't fun -- I am not interested.

For more information, check out http://www.seether.com.

"Disclaimer II" (Wind-up Records)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

if you don't already own "Disclaimer"
if you already own "Disclaimer"

This is probably one of the easiest reviews I've ever had to write. Why? Because my review of "Disclaimer II" is the exact same as my review of "Disclamer," which you can read below. Again, why? Because it's the same damn CD! In some sort of bizarre marketing decision, the band has re-released their "Disclaimer" CD with eight extra songs plus a bonus DVD featuring live performances, behind-the-scenes footage and music videos.

Okay, to be fair, some of the songs are a little different and all have been re-mastered and/or re-mixed (although it's difficult to tell the difference) and the extra songs fit on the CD as though they were recorded to be there in the first place, even "Broken" featuring Amy Lee of Evanescense. And the DVD is nice without really being anything special.

I don't know why the band didn't just release the eight new songs plus the DVD and call it something new. But they didn't. So, if you want the new songs, you've got to re-buy the old songs as well. Is it necessary? If you're a Seether completist you'll need the material on both CDs to keep your collection intact. If you're a big Seether fan, you'll probably want both versions since there are a few minor differences on some of the old tracks and the new tracks are only available here. If you don't own "Disclaimer," stick with "Disclaimer II" instead. The differences are indeed minor and you get those additional tracks plus the DVD.

All that being said, I still think it was bizarre for "Disclaimer II" to follow "Disclamer." I would have much rather had a brand new Seether CD instead.

Seether: Shaun Morgan - vocals, guitar, songs; Dale Stewart - bass, vocals; Nick Oshiro - drums.

For more information, check out http://www.seether.com.

"Disclaimer" (Wind-up Records; 2002)

Reviewed by Alicia Downs

"Disclaimer" marks the debut album from Wind Up recording artist Seether. Hailing from Johannesburg, South Africa, Seether's sound was considered brutally heavy for the masses, but has strong marketing potential on the US shores. The Seether influence expands well into the grunge scene ranging from Nirvana to Alice in Chains. "Disclaimer" relishes in the post-aggro grunge sound marked by a lyrical penetration through hard hitting rock riffs.

"Fine Again" displays the Seether appeal of dark lyrics and radio friendly rock melody. From start to finish "Disclaimer" remains consistent with this formula resulting in nothing less than a powerhouse rock album. Topics range from suicide to relationships as vocalist/guitarist Shaun Morgan unleashes a musical exorcism.

Stand out tracks on the album include opening track "Gasoline," "Needles" and "Pig." Seether’s sound and substance offers a transplant of vigor into today’s rock scene.

Seether is: Shaun Morgan (vocals/guitar), Dale Stewart (bass/vocals), and Nick Oshiro (drums).

More information including upcoming tour dates can be found at: http://www.seether.com.

"Disclaimer" (Wind-up Records; 2002)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

Seether takes the teen angst angle exercised (some say invented) by Nirvana and moves it up to the next level. This South African band's lyrics could have almost been written by Kurt Cobain and company; just check out the album cover design and you'll get a glimpse of things to come. Interestingly, lead vocalist Shaun Morgan even sounds a little like Cobain sometimes.

Thankfully, Seether step away from the grunge sound that Nirvana was known for and step over more into metal territory. Sounding at times like label-mates Drowning Pool, Seether have a powerful, crunching sound that, yes, sounds like some of the other bands out there but - at the same time - shines with musical expertise, better-than-average songwriting and fiery charisma.

Highlights are the angry rager "Fuck It," opening track "Gasoline" and "69 Tea." Track 9, "Fade Away," sounds a little too much like Nirvana or Pearl Jam and yet will probably be the band's break-out track; it's that radio-friendly. The last track, "Broken," is somewhat the same yet doesn't seem to be written solely for airplay. The lighter "ballad" tracks are okay but Seether is at their best when ... well, when they're seething.

"Disclaimer" is a very promising debut from yet another promising band on Wind-up Records. Let's hope they keep up the good work.

Seether: Shaun Morgan - vocals, guitar, songs; Dale Stewart - bass, vocals; Nick Oshiro - drums.

For more information, check out http://www.seether.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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