Customer Reviews

Up in the Attic

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In 2005, Alien Ant Farm got together to record their third proper album with new guitartist Joe Hill (replacing Terry Corso, who joined Powerman 5000) in tow, and with Incubus-producer Jim Wirt calling the shots. That album became "Third Draft," which unforunately didn't see the light of day in '05, mainly due to a fallout with Geffen Records. Well, Alien Ant Farm are back once again with a new album, "Up In The Attic," on a new record label, and with a new bassist as well.

Well, "Third Draft" fans might be a bit disappointed to find that "Up In The Attic" is, save for one new song, the exact same thing. Not that it's a bad thing. "Third Draft" is/was a tough album to come by, and it's great, but for those who do have it, this release is a bit bland, especially considering the new track, "Forgive And Forget," really isn't all that special. Regardless of what you call the album, it's definitely up there as some of Alien Ant Farm's best material. Basically, it's a combination of the slickness of "ANThology" and the experimentation of "TruANT." "Around The Block" is this album's "Movies," while "Lord Knows" and "Crickets" show the more laid-back, funky style of the previous album. "She's Only Evil" is probably the best of the album. A mainly acoustic, chilled out catchy little song that closes out the album beautifully.

"Up In The Attic," or "Third Draft," may not be adding anything new to the band's sound, but it's a solid effort that confirms they still have relevancy, long after their "One-Hit-Wonder" status has faded. It's also an album worth hearing, as it is the last recorded with original bassist, Tye Zamora, who pulled a Rivers Cuomo, in leaving rock for college. Tye was a big part of the AAF sound, so this last round is something all fans need to hear. In fact, this is really an album anyone who likes Alien Ant Farm can appreciate.

This album, like their other two before it, is amazing. Artistically it may not match ANThology, but all of their albums are entertaining and enjoyable. I don't think they play a bad song. I would like to voice that Smooth Criminal is probably their worst, I don't understand why it is so loved. Maybe because it's familiar. Anyway, this is the most underrated band in the world. Majority of people don't know them outside of Smooth Criminal which hurts my soul. Listen to Movies. That's one of the greatest songs ever recorded. If that deosn't get you singing or moving you're probably dead.

The Good
" Bad Morning" is a driving anthem for those that can't stand hearing the morning alarm go off. You can't ignore the pounding drums and catchy chorus of "Forgive and Forget." "Around the Block" has infectious riffs and a fetching cowbell beat. That's right, cowbell. Vocalist Dryden Mitchell's chorus section is melodic and hook laden. "San Sebastian" uses muted riffs and blazing guitar licks to draw you in. Meaty riffs and a simple yet effective hook dominate "Getting Closer." Mitchell displays his best vocal performance here as he delivers with lots of heart and emotion. Acoustic, country style guitars with a modern rock twist help lead "Crickets." "State of Emergency" is loaded with thunderous drum beats and fiery guitar runs. "She's Only Evil" is a moving ballad about the negative aspects of a sour relationship. It either has a bombastic ending, or there's a bonus instrumental stuck in there.

The Bad
Nothing notable

The Verdict
Alien Ant Farm deliver a solid and consistent album with Up in the Attic. Their only obstacle is an industry that uses and disposes of bands like them.

Alien Ant Farm are an extraordinarily interesting band, for various reasons. First of all, they made it big in the late 90's/ early two thousands by covering a somewhat obscure Michael Jackson song (they did a very great job of it, I might add.) They came up together with friends and then labelmates Papa Roach, and had minor parallel runs of success. While some remember Alien Antfarm as a musical footnote, a novelty act if you will, people that actually listened to their major label debut "ANThology" knew that there was more to this band than bizarre covers. The bizarre actions of eccentric frontman Dryden Mitchell may have had something to do with the bands stagnancy; he was distant, talked in strange voices, and just acted like an all-around nerd in both television and magazine interviews. After a bus accident looked like it would end AAF's short career, Dryden and Co. persevered to release a sophomore album, "truANT" for Dreamworks a few years after "ANThology" broke. While more of an artistic triumph, the second album thrust the band further into obscurity (despite the memorable video for "These Days" which featured the band crashing the Hip Hop Source Awards and playing on top of a building.) Just when I thought they were done for, I saw that they had released this, their third album, "Up In The Attic" (after their new album "Third Draft" failed to see the light of day due to conflicts with Geffen.) The album basically continues in the vein of "TRUant", with splashes of salsa, funk, and SoCal punk playing over their alternative hard rock backbone. The interesting thing about this band is that they seem to be unsure as to whether they want to be a successful commercial act, or a bizarre, artistically satisfying, ne'er understood college rock band. They have the skills to do both, but just when they are heading in one direction, they take a U-turn and go the other way. For example, on "It Could Happen", Dryden sings like a maniac, delivering an unbelievable vocal performance over dizzying guitar playing. However, the lyrics are downright awful; but this is bizarre because some of the songs feature outstanding lyrics but pedestrian musicianship. Alien Ant Farm have all the tools to make it: unbelievably catchy hooks, Monstrous choruses, outstanding musicianship, and a bizarre, charismatic frontman. They just have to make a choice. Overall, I would recommend this cd to fans of the last two, but offer that it won't win the band any new fans either.

I came across a copy of ANThology while over in Iraq, and bought Up In The Attic when I got back a couple of weeks ago. I had never heard of them before, and have to admit that the energy of their style really grabbed me. I even bought a copy to give as a gift. Highly recommended!

I continue to enjoy Alien Ant Farm and have been a fan ever since ANThology was released in 2001. I consider ANThology to have been a 5 star album and now I rate Up In The Attic a 4 star. Even though I don't feel this album has the passion and incredible talent that was on ANThology, Up In The Attic is still a worthy effort by a band that refuses to follow trends. There is a mature, yet fun and light-hearted feel to this album when listening to "San Sebastian" and "Consti2tion" as well as a deep, brooding chill left by songs like "Sleepwalker" and "She's Only Evil." It is a shame that AAF will never seem to live up to the success they had with "Smooth Criminal" considering the talent this band possesses. I think anyone who wants a good rock album to chill to, should pick up this latest effort by a great band.

Also, to clear up any confusion, Tye Zamora did all the bass on the Up In The Attic album before he left the band.

I'll agree with a previous reviewer, that if you are a big fan of the more raw sound in ANThology and don't like the more polished production of TruANT, you may not enjoy Up in the Attic. It definitely moves forward from the last album, and by no means harkens back to the first album.

That said, I am a big fan of the band's sound and the vocals on TruANT. I have been very pleased with Up in the Attic. If the band could have penned a couple songs that rocked a little harder like some of their work on the first album, it would have made this a five-star review. Without a few rawer tracks, this album is a bit too slick and polished.

This album is excellent. I thought it would be hard to compete with the previous 2, but I was wrong. I have put it in my car and have not stopped listening to it since. You Must Buy This Album!

alien ant farm rules. i can't beleive how good they are!
my favorite song (not on this cd) is "smooth criminal". they remade michael jackson's song in a metal version.
but this cd is just as sweet.

AAF IS BEAST!!!

i'm hooked just by the singer's voice. i will admit that much of the album is about relationships; that said, it's great music. they are a unique band in a world of music where 5,000 bands consist of about 10 different styles in the popular arena. these guys always stood out a bit, and i appreciate the way they put songs together. i would maybe say buy ANThology see where you stand, since it is the best example of what they do. TruANT has some great versatility on it. then buy this one. i particularly like forgive & forget. there's a lot of crap out there that goes in & out of rage without much sincerity. i believe it when AAF does it. check 'em out. Then check out 'Tip,' the 1st; then the 2nd album from Finger Eleven. it's miles beyond the last album they put out. go to concerts, buy merchandise - REALLY support the musicians. who cares about the industry.