Customer Reviews

White Noise

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

 

 

I thought Modern Artillery was an absolutely spectacular album but I was disappointed with their last effort. Well this new album, White Noise, does not disappoint. It's not as good as Modern Artillery but it's close. If you like catchy songs with creative melodies you will love this disc!

I too am a huge TLE fan. I saw them several times during their last visit to the States in 2006. I agree that this is a departure from their usual style, but thanks to the excellent musicianship of each member, it WORKS. Instead of pidgeon-holing themselves into the "punkabilly/rockabilly" genre, they've expanded their expertise with this album. I know some other long-time fans will be disappointed with the change, but I'm not one of them. My only complaint is the same as the previous reviewer in that I would've liked to have heard more Chris Cheney guitar solos. However, he still shines with the "Loaded Gun" and "How Do We Know" intros. Highlights include "Waiting for the Silence" (pure genius songwriting here) and "Loaded Gun."
One thing to note is that since the long-time TLE fans are familiar with what they've done in the past, maybe that's why this album is hard to swallow. However, I've played this album for people who have never heard of them and they're absolutely BLOWN AWAY by it and now want to order their own import copies. They're usually sold after hearing "Loaded Gun" and "Make the Call." (They like the hard rocking songs down here in Texas). So, if anything, this album can expose them to an even greater fanbase. I just hope this album is released in the U.S. soon.

I've been a living end fan for years now and was really looking forward to this album. On the first listen I really wasn't too impressed to be honest. However after going to work and giving the songs time to sink in. On second listen it really began to take hold of me. This is not the same living end as their earlier albums. This is a very grown up album for them. By far the best lyrics of all the other living end records. This is one that will take a few spins to hit you but it is by far the most complete record of their career.

I'm surprised that a few of the reviewers rated this album so low. Granted, the style of music on this album is a huge departure from their self-titled album, but as classic as their first album was, this album has a much more sophisticated sound to it. In my opinion this is their strongest album. The reason why I gave it four stars instead of five is because I thought Chris slacked off a bit with his soloing. He is an excellent guitarist and I thought he could have displayed his true guitar expertise a bit more on certain songs. Also, there are a few weak songs on here, but even their weak songs are a bit stronger than their strong songs on their previous albums.

Highlights on this album are "Loaded Gun" (classic opening riff), "Hey Hey Disbeliever" (very catchy beat), "Sum of Us" (great reggae song), "Make the Call" (a terrific, hard-rocking song), and "Waiting for the Silence" (one of TLE's best songs). In all honesty, this is a terrific album and worth the money!!!

I have been a fan since their self titled album. If I heard this album first, I don't think I'd be a fan. This album is on par with some of the weaker songs from the previous album save for 3 tracks.
While I respect The Living End for trying new sounds, I think this is the weakest any of their previous albums.

I've been a big fan of TLE since their first rockabilly-esque EPs. I own all of their albums, and I see them every time they play in California.

White Noise is an alright album. It could have been way better, though. One thing I noticed, is that Chris Cheney does not solo as much as he did in the previous albums. I do not hear ANY slap bass, and in "Make the Call" it is clearly a slapping riff, however it seems like the slapping is muted.

All in all, it is a great album. Being a big fan of them for years, "State of Emergency" introduced a new TLE. "White Noise" clearly is a different album from all of their other ones. However, if you listen to all of their albums, they are all diverse. The self-titled had a more upbeat punk sound. Roll On was a great anthem album, with Chris Cheney's soloing talents used throughout the album. Modern ARTillery was amazing as well, but different. Most songs off of State of Emergency were great but like I said, it was introducing them to a different perspective of their music. White Noise is their set change.

I am somewhat disappointed at White Noise. The opening tracks are great, but TLE can do a MUCH BETTER job at slow songs.

The best songs off the album are How Do We Know, Make The Call, Raise the Alarm, White Noise, Hey Hey Disbeliever, and 21st Century. These songs still hold the TLE spirit.

Still, The Living End are one of the greatest bands, and still my favorite band of all time. I will still be supporting them, and their fans will as well.