Rough Edge: Tantric CD Reviews

TANTRIC

"The End Begins" (SMG; 2008)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

Tantric was formed from the ashes when the singer from Days of the New let the rest of the band go. But no one from Days of the New remains in Tantric today, meaning that this is, sans the same vocalist, a completely different squad than the original platinum-selling arena rock warm-up act.

Or is it?

By names and faces, this is definitely a different band but, if judging by musical output (besides a "wild card" in the form of an added violinist who adds a roots rock feel to Tantric's beefy acoustic rock), songs such as the title track, the tender "Wishing" and the American Idol gone naughty "Love Song" maintain that modern rock middling malaise and sounds just as ripe for radio and ready for mass consumption as the band's previous work.

If you're dying for Three Doors Down, are digging Alter Bridge and can't wait for more Candlebox (whose singer appears here), then "The End Begins" should be a welcome addition to your collection of American commercial hard rock.

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

"After We Go" (Maverick; 2001)

Reviewed by Jeff Rogers

This is post Days Of The New. After creative differences forced the band to split, vocalist Travis Meeks went one way and the rest of the band formed Tantric. With a new vocalist, Hugo Ferreira, the other three DOTN'rs (Todd Whitener on guitar, Jesse Vest on bass, and Matt Taul on drums), took the sound in the direction they wanted to.

It's time to pay homage to Alice In Chains again (as if covering Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain" isn't evidence enough; take up a Rubik's Cube for safety’s sake). There are a lot of acoustic songs here splashed with gritty guitars, two-part harmonies. It's all good stuff, but it's not great.

The vocals are not dead on copies of AIC. There is some originality here. Hugo can sing and his contribution makes Tantric sound just a little different.

"Hero" is their acoustic gem with a salty little end solo. This was produced by Toby Wright ... who also produced Alice In Chains.

The best songs here are "Chasing After," "After We Go," "Hey Now," and "Before."

Tantric: Hugo Ferreira - vocals; Todd Whitener - guitar; Jesse Vest - bass; Matt Taul - drums.

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

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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