Customer Reviews

Clearing the Channel

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The fact is that Sinch is one of the best, somewhat lesser known bands out there. Other than their radio release a few years ago, "Something More", they never settled for seeking to create mostly radio friendly tunes. The downside is that they are not as well known as they should be. The upside is that their music is creative and real. If you don't own their self-titled "Sinch" cd, you must buy it. "Something More" pales in comparison to their other aggressive songs. Aside from that, "Plasma" and "Artic Ocean" are easily among the best slower melodic compositions ever created by an alternative rock band. Clearing the Channel is another outstanding release by one of the most talented bands our there. If you are, as I am, a fan of bands like Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle, Tool, StainD, etc, then buy it.

The first times that I heard SINCH's Clearing The Channel I got that funny special feeling, like there is something special here, but I really don't know what it is. Now I know that the only aspect that I could use as judgement for art, is whether there is something truly divine about the artist, or not.

What I could easily say is that Silence Broken (the album's first track) was not easily expected as an opening track for the album. It is weird. Explosive, but not in the usual sense. Explosive in an emotional nature, Silence Broken is succesful in bringing the whole album under a different light. After this track, the album just bursts with emotion all over.
My favorite track here is surely Dead Sentinels, I consider it to be one of the best songs I have ever heard. It is hard for me to point out as to which in here are my favorite songs, though, because the whole album is simply amazing. Even the ballads (Sails and Hydroplane) are well thought and perfectly performed.

The album gave me the impression to be divided in two sections, separated by the interlude (Vanishing Act). I see no other use for Vanishing Act but to divide these two phases in the album. I am sure that in such a well thought album as this one, this division has also been well planned and probably plays a part in the whole message the album tries to convey.

SINCH's Clearing the Channel can only be defined as perfect hard rock. This band has evolved in a real direction, achieving much better expression of emotion through mesmerizing vocals, inspiring and devoted guitar riffs, and mature and elegant drum and bass. This is not a surprise, for their last album was also a jewel, but in my opinion, Clearing the Channel is simply more elegant and evolved. A true lesson for those who think that the only direction in which rock can evolve is in the speed at which the bass drum can be kicked... SINCH has proven you wrong with this one and brought rock into a whole new dimension.

Most definately one of the best albums I own.Every song is filled with such power and emotion its hard to believe this is only there 2nd album.I loved the first release & "something more" is probably one of my all-time favourite songs but overall I think this album is better,more rounded,better organized & most importantly,better songs.lyrically & musically this is the closest thing to a modern day masterpiece that your likely to find...

Having split with their previous record company, Roadrunner Records, SINCH battled on and hooked up with Rock Ridge Music for their most recent offering titled, "Clearing the Channel." Even though their last album with RRR was an astounding piece of work for rock inspired melodic metal, it becomes apparent that their decision to move on to another label was a smart one. Now, they perhaps didn't feel the pressure to produce something that was drenched in throbbing baselines and powerful chugging guitar tones. As a result, "Clearing the Channel" is displaying a softer, more emotionally motivated style that still has all the artistic qualities of their previous efforts. However, there was more emphasis on vocal structuring and finely tuned melody that had the slightest of touches but with enough passion to draw you in. Acoustic beauty as well as a new found piano accompaniment was present in this release that managed to instill a real sense of boundless harmony with grace and undeniable style. Yes, it is on the lighter side when compared to their other releases but this was an obvious illustration of how they have progressed musically over the years with an eye towards giving you all they have to offer from a rather large basket of talent. Don't fret, they can and did still bring out those catchy hooks but mixed them in with sounds that can only be described as pure. Plug it in and crank it up for a satisfying and memorable trip.

The Good
The intro to "Silence Broken" is a myriad of effects and audio clips that are accented briefly with chunky riffs. The real musical focal point is the driving piano work. Vocalist Jamie Stem delivers his vocals deep, throaty, and passionate; sometimes coming off as a possessed Eddie Vedder. The riffs return for the empowered conclusion. Percussive effects mixed with a clean guitar picking riff help drive "All That's Left Behind". Stem really pushes the limits of his vocal range on the choruses.

"The Last Scene" starts of calm and serine, but soon wallops you with an attack of distortion and frustration. "Sails" is an acoustic ballad with some great guitar tone and vocal harmonies. From what I read, Sinch is also a visual act to behold live; I figure they must to something pretty cool live with the instrumental "Vanishing Act". "Hydroplane" closes out the album with more of that unplugged sound heard before combined with more piano.

The Bad
Nothing notable.

The Verdict
When I heard Sinch was added to the Battle for Ozzfest Tour, I expected some heavy stuff. I got some of that, but I got a whole lot more. Clearing the Channel is heavy at times, but focuses a lot on powerful, encompassing vocals. Sinch is a hard rock band that isn't afraid to experiment either, whether it be piano or sound effects. A solid, mature, rock record.

This CD is great the whole ways through. It is one of those CD's where you don't play it for one track, but you just put it in and listen to the whole CD. Sinch seemed to have created this new CD while not totalled copying their old style and not going mainstream. It definitely sounds like Sinch, which means it doesn't sound like anything else out there. The only problem I have with this CD is that it is too short but that is something that will not affect the 5 star rating. I also saw them live and I highly recommend that you do the same. I can't wait for them to come back to the area. Also, if you haven't already check out Strata. They are similar to Sinch only in that their music does not conform to the sounds overplayed on the radio waves today.

Well I can say I'm very satisfied with Sinch's most recent release "Clearing the Channel". The songs on this one seem to have much more emotion in them. From the start you just seem to get the feeling that you are drifting through space or over the ocean in some kind of bluish haze. At first I was skeptical though because it's not a record that sucks you in right away. Just as with their last album it takes a few listens until you actually realize you have an amazing thing in front of you. My favorite tracks on this one are "Silence Broken", "The Power of Suggestion", "Hydroplane", and "What They Mean When They Say".

1. Silence Broken - 10/10
2. All That's Left Behind - 10/10
3. Identity Theft - 10/10
4. Last Scene, The - 9.5/10
5. Dead Sentinels - 9.5/10
6. Sails - 9.5/10
7. Vanishing Act - 8/10
8. Power Of Suggestion, The - 10/10
9. What They Mean When They Say - 10/10
10. One In The Same - 9/10
11. Hydroplane - 10/10

Overall: 96% A

What's funny is that they are still a great band and again I had to learn about Sinch's newest cd from their website because of lack of radio play. Corporate radio should give the little guy more of a chance to make it rather than crush them with what they think is good or "the popular stuff". Seriously though, most Sinch fans will find something they like on this new one and if you haven't heard of the band you probably should have.

these guys really hit the nail on this one, even though i still listen to other one more than the new just mainly based on the fact it's more thought out. but hey im just a fan. i like the sophmore release it's sticks with you and it's worth the listen.

An absolutely awesome album and suberb follow up to their self-titled debut. I had this album especially shipped to the UK where it is yet unavailable and it was absolutely worth it. If you loved the first album you WILL NOT be disappointed. Musically it's genius - clever guitar and drums and jamie sings his ass off!

Incredible album! Brilliant from start to finish, no fillers with Sinch. This band definitely possess a powerful, destinct sound and come off sounding slickly original. Smart, engaging lyrics engulfed by relentless layers of a captivating, sonic-rock sound. If one can not be moved by such tracks as "The Power of Suggestion", "Sails" or the masterful "Identity Theft", better think about changing music genres.