Two Review

Released: Jun 29, 2004
Genre: Rock
Styles: Alternative Metal, Heavy Metal
Number Of Tracks: 11
The second Earshot's major release "Two" was made in the best of alternative metal traditions.

Sound:	7
Lyrics:	9
Impression:	8.5
Overall rating:	8.2
Users rating:	4.7
Comments:	3

overall: 7.3

Featured review by: UG Team, on july 23, 2004

Sound: Earshot was formed in 1999 by the vocalist/guitarist Wil Martin and two guitarists Mike Callahan and Scott Kohler. The bassist Johnny Sprague and drummer Chas Stumbo joined the act lately. After the release in 2002 their debute album "Letting Go" group had started the promoting tour. They returned to the studio in 2003 after spending much of the year. It was a fruitful year for the group, so they went to the studio with fresh material to make up a new record.

Earshot's second album "Two" in comparison with "Letting Go" has more violent guitar riffs, obscure lyrics and professional sound. Taking into consideration the fact that songwriter Wil Martin reared on classic hard and heavy rock music -- such as Black Sabbath, AC/DC and Metallica -- the album sound has some inspirations of these groups, however it's still nothing more than a pure alternative metal/nu-metal. Despite of that fact, Earshot has unique -- in some way -- sound, lyrics, and style. "There seems to be an emotion lacking in music today," Wil says. "There was such an honesty in the music of the '70s and early 90's." In contrast with majority of alternative bands, Earshot's music stays half-step aside from the most of them.

From one side the album's sound is streamlined and unique. It's a result of painstaking job of group members and their producer Johnny K. "Johnny K. understood that we wanted to keep this album sounding live and natural, and we didn't want a ton of 'production' on it." comment Wil. On the other, its sound has noticeable coating of commercializing. There are not many sound expriments or other innovations, instead it was produced to appeal for the most of nu-metal fans. Probably beside advanced bass riffs. Thus "Two" is a perfectly recorded album without many deviations from the metal music roots. Every fan of hard and heavy genre will find everything required: tearing and melody singing powered with aggressive guitar riffs, loud and clear drums, and outstanding bass lines. // 6

Lyrics and Singing: "There's a darkness to my lyrics, but there's a calm, too. The songs might be dark, but they're not dismal," Wil admits. In general their lyrics are dark and depressive -- the same as on the first album -- but overall Wil Martin improved his songwriting skills. All the songs are fairly good and different. "Two" is full of intense emotion and like the quote on top there is a wide variety with personal struggles and heavy looks into relationships. You can catch the doubts and fears of Wil Martin throughout the album. "They're really nothing more than honest accounts of life, experiences and thoughts that myself and other people go through or feel," says Wil about "Tongue Tied" and "Someone" songs.

Somehow more meaningful and daring lyrics of "Two" might be an obstacle for the band major success, because of the current predominance of mainstream's cheerful and positive themes. However, despite of the gloominess of Earshot's sound and lyrics, their song "Get Away" from the first album reached the fourth place on the charts and stayed in the Top 100 for over 60 weeks. And "Two" can do the same with no doubt. // 8

Impression: Earshot play with your feelings throughout the record: the heartbreak and depression of some songs replaces with the triumph and power in others. If the music still have that heavy feel and sound where chaos, double bass and insane screams is what it's all about, then you know a great production has been achieved. If you think this statement is right -- buy this album. If you like the the sounding of Tool, Smile Empty Soul, A Perfect Circle and alikes -- buy this album. If you liked Earshot's first release "Letting Go" -- buy this album twice. There is nothing groundbreaking about Earshot, but you won't be disappointed. 'nuff said. // 8

overall: 9

Reviewed by: fabs1925, on january 06, 2006

Sound: Earshot has a really full, complete sound that I can't get enough of. In their second album they really showcase a rich mature sound, which can be partly attributed to the fact that there are three guitar players in the band. I also like the slow, powerful feel of the music. The riffs are really intense. The things I didn't like were that sometimes songs started to sound the same, such as Again and Rotten Inside, and near the end of the CD, some songs got pretty boring, such as Should've Been There. // 8

Lyrics and Singing: Earshot's lyrics in Two are very powerful at times. Mostly they deal with relationships on the rocks. The lyrics fit perfectly with the slower, heavy style that Earshot plays with. Wil Martin's vocals are also very good. He never screams, which I like alot. He always sounds like he's actually emotionally attatched to the music and mostly sounds like he's out of breath. Earshot's lyrics get you involved personally with the song as most people have had a relationship of some sort get sour. // 10

Impression: This is a very good rock album. If you like a solid, heavy rock sound I would highly recommend this album. I think Tongue-Tied is the best song, because it has great lyrics and powerful guitars. Some other good songs are Falls Apart, Someone, Rotten Inside, and Control. I love the involved lyrics and heavy riffs, but this CD could have done without three songs for sure. This is balanced however, by the fact that the songs that are good are really good. I would definitely recommend picking this CD up if you are a rock fan. // 9

Comments

[castoo]

no song list?

[mtrev009]

Great album. Good lyrics, great vocals, good riffs, outstanding bass leads. One of my favs need to come out with new cd.

[3 days grace14]

I love these guys they are amazing they are bare bones rock, just go out and kick ass band god they are great wait is my fav or maybe fallapart