Capable but emotionless: Crossfade feels shallow
Written: Aug 29 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Ten track summary of nu-metal.
Cons: We've seen it all before.
The Bottom Line: Worth it for the highlights.
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| blackstar40's Full Review: Crossfade by Crossfade |
While the formula Crossfade follows here is somewhat predictable, their self-titled debut offers a brief insight into the potential of both the lead singer's voice and the band itself. To make it clear: Crossfade are nothing right now to challenge the giants of nu-metal (i.e. Limp Bizkit, Papa Roach, Disturbed) but the sound shows promise.
Lead singer Ed Sloan likes to use a semi-singing / rap voice in the majority of the recording as he anguishes about someone (we'll assume it's a relationship gone wrong) that he wishes to cleanse his veins and blood from, as he announces in 'Starless,' and reflects on what went wrong.
'Looking back at me / I see that I never really got it right / I never stopped to think of you...' he laments in 'Cold,' the massive hit for them which is easily the album's best track, showcasing Sloan's voice, a build-up, a solo and a mellower side to the band.
'SO Far Away,' while worthy of a mention, needs development for it to rise above the mediocrity that's put out in the music industry, as does 'Colors' (no, the line 'I know you're feeling like you're lost / But you should know these colors that you're shining out' doesn't cut it).
'Death Trend Setta,' which comes across as an imitation song, pales in comparison when you put it next to the big names (see above), but gives an idea how versatile the singer's voice is, as the deep throaty growl is transformed into tuneful singing in just a few tracks time.
No comment on the likes of 'The Deep End,' where life is compared to a bike, or 'No Giving Up,' with the spitted 'y'alls' that sound horrifically out of place, but track eight is an abrupt change in direction from the path Crossfade have, so far, been following.
'Dead Skin' sees a wind-down in tempo and an opt for a singing voice, which Sloan pulls off effectively. The simple lyrics, revolved around the search for fulfillment in an empty life through alcohol and pills, and the slower pace ensure it's a highlight. There's room for experimentation, though, and it's questionable if there's much depth behind the vocals.
'The Disco' is a return to the previous style and appears as meaningless as the rest and 'The Unknown' is nothing special, despite being the only acoustic track on the LP.
Overall, Crossfade should most appease those who can't get enough of nu-metal. It will be interesting to see how Crossfade develop (if at all) from here as a band, and it'd really benefit them to put some passion into the lyrics, because it can get to a point where it feels empty, which is real turn-off.
Recommended:
Yes
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