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Mind Cycle: Self-Titled
Mind Cycle is a heavy rock/metal group that draws on a diverse set of influences. In terms of the obligatory comparisons, Mind Cycle strikes me as equal parts Disturbed, Alice in Chains, and Anthrax. The first two influences come off particularly strong with regard to the vocal style. On No Tomorrow, the comparison to Alice in Chains is not just a similarity its a pseudo-identity. On the bright side, vocalist Denny Stones style is nothing if not varied. The gruff Im a badass Disturbed-esque vocals make an interesting counterpoint to the frequently used vocal harmonies. The variety exhibited on Rest leads one to believe that Stone is a singer of ability and relative originality waiting to be unleashed on future recordings. Instrumentally, Mind Cycle is tight and mostly effective at what they attempt. Yes its true: Paul Huggins is an undeniably talented guitarist. From a technical standpoint, his rhythm playing is solid, and his lead playing is damn good on virtually every song. Considering the sheer number of utterly mediocre guitarists inhabiting the plethora of nu-metal bands these days, I must give Huggins ample respect for his skills. The solo on Tell the Truth would probably kick the crap out of most anything on the heavy metal radio stations. As for the bass guitar and the drumming, I would have harped on the fact that they seem weak in comparison to the guitars (and they do). But, in addition to his guitar duties, Huggins was also responsible for the bass and drumming on the album. Talented man! Despite its admirable strengths, Mind Cycle has a few definite weaknessesand in some cases they are glaring. For starters, the guitar riffs sometimes (in No Tomorrow and Tell the Truth) border on being hackneyed and, consequently, unmemorable. Secondly, the lyrical offerings on Mind Cycle range from the typical to the unbearably puerile. Tell the Truth and Pathetic are particularly painful; the lyrics are inane and have all the subtlety of a sledgehammer to the head. Also awful is Trials of a Brick Mason, a ridiculous ode to sexual impulse. To be clear, Im not saying that the latter offended my moral sensibilities; offensive lyrics are at least a small part of what rock music is all about. The caveat is that if the lyrical content is especially profane, it should be done with wit and cleverness. When the caveat is not met, you get lyrics that are roughly as effective as the poems you were forced to write in junior high school. Sorry guys, try harder in this department next time. Complaints aside, Mind Cycle is a talented group, and their self-titled debut album is stronger than most.
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