Customer Reviews

No Apologies

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

 

 

While I was fond of The Eyeliners' previous LP, it was hampered by two main factors: the songs all tended to have the same tempo and sound, and the lyrics tended to be evocative of a young girl in her room listening to 45s and chatting with her best friend about a crush she had on some guy in her class.

This album demonstrates significant growth for this band. They've abandoned the carefree pop-punk sound and opted for a stronger, more straightforward rock sound, and this works well, as the songs are more diverse and carry more weight. Songs such as "Destroy" still carry a punk sound and feel, but most of the album is unaffected rock.

Highlights include a cover of When In Rome's 80s hit "The Promise" (which could have benefited from back-up vox, but still sounds great), as well as the powerfully bittersweet "Voice of Reason" and the last three tracks on the album. Those three songs, as well as the rest of the disc, also contain more mature, insightful, and emotionally relevant lyrics, solidifying just how great this album is.

Whenever a favorite band releases a new record, there's always a little shadow of doubt. Will it be as great or greater than the earlier recordings I love so much, or will it somehow fall short?

In the case of No Apologies, that doubt only lasted as long as it took me to hear the first few songs. This is a confident, mature record, but it's also a record that shows The Eyeliners have NOT forgotten how to have fun in the process of growing and maturing. The most thrilling thing for me is that where the lyrics become serious or dark - as they do in a number of places on the album - the SONGS are still full of highly charged, vintage Eyeliners rock & roll energy. When Laura sings "What you have is not real, you see, you have no integrity" and "I hope you think of me when you're burning in hell" in Think Of Me, it's within the context of a 100 mph kick-ass rock & roll song, not the sort of stilted, moanful dirge we hear passed of as "rock" from so many bands these days.

The sound of the album is slightly different - slightly more polished, quieter in certain spots and a little less raw than their earlier work, but in the end there's absolutely no doubt that you're listening to an Eyeliners record. IMO, No Apologies is filled to the brim with very high-quality songs that stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best of the band's earlier work. The Promise and Do Anything You Wanna Do are well-chosen covers that fit the band's sound well, but the strength of the album is original songs like Think Of Me, Destroy, All I Wanted, Voice Of
Reason, Can't Get Enough, Bleed Til Today and Next Big Thing.

Over the years The Eyeliners have achieved great technical mastery of their respective instruments, but technical mastery means nothing if the new songs and performances aren't equally great. Luckily for those of us who love this band, all three of those components come together in perfect harmony on No Apologies.

This cd opens with the in your face music and lyrics and The Eyeliners do so well with " Think of Me." Blasting right into
"Destroy" a sure hit that trumpets, Laura's strong vocals, Gel's amazing guitar work, supported by fellow rocker Joan Jett and Lisa's baseline that can't be ignored. No doubt written to showcase the girls high energy live performances, this is the best track on the album.

The energy level that grabs you right off the first two tracks mellows a bit when they slide into the cover " The Promise" a song that will grab even those who still cling to that Arena Rock made so popular in the 80's.

The title track, " No Apologies" is a nice middle of the road track, got that punky edge but keeping it just poppy enough with open honest lyrics to ensure another hit. Followed by " Do anything you wanna do" another cover that they make all their own with no effort at at all.

Peppered with solid tracks like "Mega Culpa" and "Next Big Thing" which these gals certainly are. This much awaited album did not disappoint at all.

I have been a supporter of the Eyeliners for a number of years now and I am glad they are back after a year and a half break. This is a wonderful record and a must have for any one who likes good music. You will not be disappointed.

i bought this cd for my 12 year old daughter. as a valid alternative to the lousy hanna montana crap that is being processed and shoved down young girl's throats now,i feel this hits the spot. some catchy fun songs. be prewarned it lacks real production value. it's a little rough to say the least..... it's what i would consider a little raw at times and the playing and singing could use a little more work, but i think that is part of the appeal. i'm all about supporting the smaller lesser known groups that are developing a great sound. that's what i think this group is about. it may not be my daughter's favorite, but definately amoung her top play list. i would also recommend other groups - dollyrots, go betty go, tsunami bomb, and action design to name a few.