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SHADES APART
"Sonic
Boom" (Universal; 2001)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
More guitar-heavy power pop in the vein of Tonic and Candlebox, although perhaps with a little more edge. A very listenable album, with nice chunky guitars throughout, but maybe more "nice" than most Rough Edge readers are looking for.
"Shades Apart" is a stronger album than "Eyewitness," and the CD's opening track, "Conspiracy," is all but irresistible. Still, about halfway through you're looking for something with a bit more timbre (or maybe just a somewhat different timbre) and, unfortunately, it never makes an appearance. On the other hand, it's great to hear a band that you'd expect to be another Blink 182 clone be something else entirely.
Giving credit where credit is due: I do like the CD packaging, which carefully mimics a 50's diner menu.
Shades Apart: Mark V. - guitar, lead vocals; Kevin Lynch - bass, backing vocals; Ed Brown - drums.
"Eyewitness"
(Universal; 1999)
Reviewed by Snidermann
Universal Records' artist Shades Apart offers nothing out of the ordinary that is not in abundance in today's so-called music scene. The music and lyrical content are good, but both lack any kind of fire or pizzazz. Some aspects of this recording are above average, however, the overall sound is just too familiar to many others artists today including Counting Crows, Matchbox 20 and Candlebox just to name a few. Maybe Shades Apart should actually be named Shades Of The Same Old Shit.
Shades Apart: Mark V. on guitar and lead vocals, Kevin Lynch, bass and Ed Brown drums.
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.
Copyright © 2002 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised:
28 Oct 2024 11:25:46 -0500.
