Customer Reviews

Globe

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

 

 

The amazing lyrics outweigh the "sound quality" issue-in my opinion. I'm sure they could've used "better" equipment to record their albums, but I don't think it was necessary. It sounds more unique and original. I appreciate the music and LOVE the vocals and added things such as clapping. If the music was manipulated by computers and machines it wouldn't be better, it would be just like any other band these days that rely on "touch-ups" to make their music presentable. I thought about the quality when I first purchased them, but as I listened to the lyrics and music more closely, I don't even notice it anymore. I don't think I can stress enough in writing how great their lyrics are, if you really listen to and understand them.

If I had to choose a personal favorite it would be "Open Up Our Eyes" but songs I recommend one should listen to for a start are "The Axiom", "Pay It Back", and "Black Holes" - Each have great, different music which is something I look for in bands, when each song sounds completely different from the others.

Gets better each time I listen to it. Highly recommended. For a good intro, listen to "Black Hole," "On Our Way Home," and "Open Up Our Eyes." Great jam at end of "Open Up Our Eyes."

This review may only be of interest to people in the Detroit area, because I don't see how The Silent Years will gain too many fans nationally w/this disc.
I bought their 1st disc last summer & was pleasantly surprised; it's not a "desert island" disc, but a very good local release. So when I got this release a few months ago, I had high hopes. And I keep playing it, hoping it will "click", but I think instead each time I like it less.
The most obvious problem is the sound quality: it seems very muddy to me, especially in the choruses & "jams". There are 14 contributors plus The Detroit Horns credited here; maybe after 4 musicians on the 1st disc, they were overwhelmed by the extra instruments. The vocals seem to be straining at times to be heard over the din.
Much of that problem is the recording of the drums: it's horrible. In most places, they're just way too loud in the mix, often annoyingly so. The cymbal crashes in particular drown out everything else. If they were trying for a cheapo "garage-y" sound, they got it, but I think it detracts from the proceedings.
And, with a couple exceptions, the songs don't seem as strong either. "Ropes", "The Sun Is Alive" & "The World's Worst Birthday Gift" just sort of lay there. It's as if Josh Epstein decided he preferred chaos this time to good songwriting. Maybe that's what he intended & I'm not getting it (wouldn't be the 1st time): this is his apocalyptic vision of the future of earth. Fine. I still prefer the subtleties of the 1st release.
Two stars for "On Our Way Home", "The Axiom" &, in the drummer's defense, the unusual tempos on "Out Into the Wild" & "Aging Gracefully". I also reserve the right to amend this if I all of a sudden "see the light".