30 SECONDS TO MARS

"A Beautiful Lie" (Virgin; 2005)

Reviewed by Jeff Rogers

Jared Leto was well-known as an actor before he was known as a musician. The problem with actors turned musicians is that the audience thinks they should stay in one art. The difference with Leto is that he can sing and act, while some actors who turn to music for a few more dollars do without actually having the talent. Having said that, Leto's voice is good but his band just doesn’t do him justice.

30 Seconds To Mars is part of the post-grunge sound (funny, I didn't realize that grunge had lasted so long that we gave them a “post” moniker). Their music, when moving in a straight forward direction, is good but sometimes they add too much theatrical brood and it’s hard to hold your attention.

As I mentioned earlier, Leto can sing although it sounds as though they have manipulated his voice a lot with over-dubbing and layering and stretching and what-not. The guitar just buzzes along; there are no solos and not much else unique to applaud.

Some of the best songs here are “A Beautiful Lie,” “The Kill,” “The Fantasy” and “Savior.”

30 Seconds To Mars: Jared Leto – vocals; Shannon Leto – drums; Tomo Milicevic – guitar; Matt Watcher – bass.

For more information, check out www.30secondstomars.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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