Customer Reviews

Another Animal

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If the band's name -- Another Animal -- and the pyschedelic imagery gracing the album's cover weren't any indication, let it be known that this Godsmack-side-project is of a totally different nature and style than that of it's more iconic predecessor. Now, whether or not Another Animal succeed at distancing themselves is a different story, the fact remains that this will be an interesting listen for anyone who has grown accustomed to the Godsmack sound.

Pulled from shelved material from the "IV" recording sessions, Godsmack members Tony Rombola, Robbie Merrill and Shannon Larkin teamed up with Lee Richards (ex-Dropbox) and former Ugly Kid Joe/Medication frontman Whitfield Crane to record their self-titled debut over a year ago. Described by the band themselves as music that didn't fit into the Godsmack canon, it's fitting that they chose such a unique voice as Crane's to front the band. Surely, his signature style is of a much different nature than Sully Erna's, and at times where the band churns out some "Awake"-era 'Smack, he manages to spin the music around in a different direction. It's a voice that takes some getting used to, but after 2 or 3 full listens, you couldn't imagine anyone else singing these songs. "Broken Again" and "The Beast Within" are the kind of songs that sound tailor-made for modern-rock radio success, but elsewhere the band takes some unexpected turns. "Black Coffee Blues" comes in as the biggest shocker, a solid blues based track that is likely to win over any listener. Elsewhere, the punkish "Distant Signs" is more fitting with Larkin & Crane's musical past, while "Left Behind" and "Fade Away" are the obligatory but still solid ballads.

To be fair, this isn't a perfect album. The biggest problem is the mixing, as done by Dave Fortman (Evanescence, Mudvayne). Quite honestly, it makes the band sound generic, with Larkin's drum-parts toned down and the dual guitars hardly distinguishable from one another. Truly a case of an otherwise solid album being ruined by too much studio trickery. Also, it gets a bit repetitive from time to time, but what else would you expect from the men who brought you Godsmack? Fans of that band should definitely give this a fair listen though, because there are a few gems to be found. Heck, if you just enjoy turning on the radio and digging some guilt-free, easy to digest hard rock, Another Animal will fully satisfy.

I was always an Ugly Kid Joe fan way before Godsmack came along, so when my friend told me about this collaboration I had to buy it.

To me, it rocks on most songs. There is one token song, that is still growing on me. I don't want to name it, but I think many of you will agree it seems (at first) to not belong on the CD.

I am just baffled how anyone might not wanna roll down the highway rocking out to this album.

I say buy and you will love it.

But unfortunately, only about half of these tracks leave a mark. There's the psuedo-brooding "Broken Again," replete with watery guitar lines and great hooks. The "Interlude" is a nice break from the noisy, sludgy guitars that surround it. Otherwise, "The Beast Within" creates a memorable atmosphere, "The Thin Line" is almost punk-rockish, "Black Coffee Blues" conjures up the stoner boogie of Monster Magnet in the best possible way and "Fade Away" is a gorgeous, acoustic-based lamentation on our place in the world. As for the other six tracks, they sound like B-sides of the two bands in the title of this review, which means they are competent efforts reminiscent of more talented bands. Overall, an enjoyable listen.

With the musical sound of Godsmack, but refreshing vocals from Whitfield Crane, Another Animal has a great track listing that one can listen to from start to finish without skipping a song. I recommend this for Godsmack, Ugly Kid Joe, and/or Drop Box fans.

Blind and Broken Again remind me of the old Alice in Chains sound. It rocks!

I really do not know why anyone is surprised with the Godmsack and Ugly Kid Joe collaboration on this...

Shannon Larking stepped in on drums for Godsmack's third studio effort. Prior to that yes, he played drums for 'Amen' (whoever they are), but he played drums for Ugly Kid Joe way back when...

So, when the Godsmackers go into the studio to record a side-project with another singer, why not use someone who is talented, such as longtime friend, and seasoned vocalist Whitfield Crane. It seems entirely logical on this end.

The result is a very decent and damn good album. I hope the future holds further releases for these guys.

I really like this CD - it's Godsmack without Sully - the songs are great, feel-good music.
So little good new music out there - and this one's a keeper!
I wouldn't call it metal, but semi-heavy rock. A little "happier" than your typical godsmack.

Ilove this cd.Every tracks rock except for two.If you like alice and chains and soundgarden ,you love this cd.

This is one fine album from the former singer of Ugly Kid Joe..Whit Crane with the members from Godsmack. The drummer, Shannon Larkin of Another Animal originally drummed for Wrathchild America/Souls At Zero some 10-15 years back. Whit Crane and Shannon Larkin (great friends of each other) regroup here since Ugly Kid Joe's 1996 album Motel California. I first found about this self-titled debut album on MySpace.com and was immediately hooked. From first hearing Another Animal I though of Alice In Chains self-titled 1995 epic album. In fact both albums totally remind me of each other (Another Animal 2007 + Alice In Chains 1995). Both albums have funky animals on their covers/throughout the albums, both are self titled, different band members sing respectively on both albums, and the over all sound of the bands. Godsmack has always sounded as a Alice In Chains band. But Another Animal totally reminds me of Alice In Chains which is cool as hell. Another Animal definitely has that Seattle grunge/metal sound and Whit Crane and the bandmates of Another Animal belt out great songs on this self titled album. Broken Again an awesome song on here is to me the centerpiece of the album. Every song on here rocks out and brings out Another Animal in these guys. Get it now.

The musicians from Godsmack & singer from Ugly kid joe continues to rock. Guys took the the remaining 30 songs from Godsmack IV to create this cd. Saw them in Charleston SC, & they were great. Song 2 is great, buy it.