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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Masterpiece From Out Of Left-Field., July 17, 2007
The first thing the listener will notice upon their first listen to "Strata Presents: The End Of The World" is that it is a drastic change in direction for the band from their self-titled debut. In fact, the opening track, "Night Falls (The Weight Of It)" doesn't even sound remotely like the Strata we got to know three years prior. So, is this change a bad thing? Absolutely not. Eschewing the alternative hard-rock of the debut for something a little lighter and more experimental makes the emotions of singer Eric Victorino come across much clearer than before and with even more impact. It going to be easier for the bulk of the fanbase to dismiss this album than it will be for them to give it a chance, give it time, and let it sink in. What we have here, in fact, is miles beyond what the band had accomplished before. Much of "The End Of The World" is a concept piece, which can be determined by taking a quick glance at the quirky art that graces the liner notes. But instead of getting angry and political, Strata seem focused on the beauty of life and it's shameful destruction. Songs like "Stay Young" and "Love Is Life" are not just catchy and moving, but also affecting and somewhat haunting. Victorino is truly in top shape here, as the band supplies him with enough hooks and melodies to keep this album in rotation much longer than the average rock record. On the flipside, there is the up-tempo, bizarrely hooky "Cocaine (We're All Going To Hell") and the murky "The New National Anthem," which serve as the darkside to the album. But that's what it's all about. Twists and turns. One minute you're basking in it's glorious, natural beauty, and the next, you're feeling sorry for it. Strata have truly outdone themselves with this record. It may not sound a thing like their debut, but it's a compelling and engaging record that everyone should give a chance. And the best part? It doesn't sound like anyone else out there.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great album..., July 24, 2007
... by a great band. Strata has grown leaps and bounds since their first outing. Check this CD out, you won't be disappointed.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Different, yet addictive, August 18, 2007
Well after much anticipation, the boys finally decided to grace us with their second release entitled, "Strata Presents: The End of the World". Within 10 seconds of the first song, you'll immediately notice some huge differences from their first album. As the album progresses, there will be a few standout songs, such as "Coma Therapy", "Cocaine (we're all going to Hell)", "Stay Young", and "The new National Anthem". Afterwhich, not a whole lot is to be said. But as you give it a second try, each song seems to get sucked into your head, which will result in them getting stuck there. The sound of Eric Victorino's voice has certainly changed since their first released, and he's done a great job doing it. No doubt He spends a great deal of time in his upper-voice this album, which might scare away some of the fans from the first album. However, the more you listen to it, the more addictive it is, and the more you really do enjoy the change in the band... as well as the change in Eric's voice.
Strata has come up with something completely different here, and it's amazing. It sure took them a while to come out with this album, but it was well worth the wait. They polished each song and each one can truly stand on it's own, after you give it some time.
As a whole, I am very impressed with this album. Not only because they actually changed their sound for the better, but because they're honest in their work. They give it to you pretty straight up. This band truly has shown that change isn't always a bad thing. After hearing this, I am looking forward to what they have in store for us next time.
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