Customer Reviews

To Force a Fate

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There's no sophomore slump with The Reputation's To Force a Fate. Fronted by Elizabeth Elmore (previously of Sarge) and assisted by a trio of able gentlemen (Joel Root, Sean Hulet, and Steve VanHorn), To Force a Fate is ten more songs that dissect the ups and downs of modern love, or sex, or some combination of both. Elmore has always known her likes and dislikes; she pulls no punches and would never resort to a cliché like the one I just used! Her thin voice holds up against sui generis rock and sets her words up for major impact, which takes a few plays to sink in. Elmore's songs, with Sarge and The Reputation, feel unassuming upon contact. And then: whomp. "Let This Rest" is what happens after she's tired of the fighting. "Follow-Through Time" takes bad choices to a new level. And "Some Senseless Day" might be the sequel to Talking Heads' "Once in a Lifetime", where the passage of time strips all illusions beyond the reach of denial. Same as it ever was, indeed.

With all the hype that the latest New Pornographers CD is getting, I need to stand up and shout about The Reputation's CD, "To Force a Fate". Elizabeth Elmore, lead singer of The Reputation, is at least as interesting a singer as New Porno's Neko Case. And the songs here are more interesting and varied, with better hooks. The songs alternate between rocking power pop tunes, and some lovely mid-tempo ballads ("The Lasting Effects" is particularly haunting and melodic).

I think it was one of the best power pop CD's of 2004. So why is there only one other review on Amazon? Perhaps it's because they're on a small label (Lookout?), or perhaps it's the band's name -- The Reputation. Huh? Sounds like the name of a corporation, or a bad movie title. If you dig New Pornos, try this CD.

Yes, this is Elizabeth Elmore's latest project, but unless you liked Sarge solely for her lyrics or vocals I would think twice before buying this album. You will not find Sarge's punky indie pop here -- the closest thing is the album's best track, "Face It," and even that song has a modern rock polish far removed from Sarge's rawness. Apparantly Elmore has entered her Lilith Fair phase. Sometimes law school does funny things to people . . .

A rotten tomato to Lookout! Records too for releasing something so slick and market-oriented.

Rating: 3 out of 10.