BANDS:

Punk & Ska
80's New Wave/
Post-Punk/
College Bands
90's & Beyond
Virginia, North
Carolina, & DC

The Side: Self-Titled
[self-released]

These boys claim to be the best thing out of Gastonia, North Carolina and I suppose they are probably right about that. 

Musically, I have no major complaints.  This is fairly solid and somewhat mellow rock, which is all fine and good; but the vocals have me wondering if the two are really a good combination.  The words flow together in a Thom Yorke fashion that makes the lyrics practically impossible to understand.  At the same time, they fade in and out, as if he is pushing the microphone away and bringing it close as he sings.  This is distracting to me, and at times I even find it a little bit grating.  The droning vocals continue through the entire album in the same manner.  I would hardly be able to tell one song from another if the music itself didnt change. 

It is difficult to decipher my exact opinion of this album.  The music doesnt bother me, but it doesnt stand out in any particular way.  It is the wailing vocals that stand out the most; I dont think the lead singer quite has a handle on what his voice can really do.  Perhaps the vocals and the music need to work a little bit more at sounding like one unit instead of two separate identities, which is the way it comes across on this album.  For example, in Ringtoss Man, I like the sound that opens the song, but then when the words enter the scene, the song takes a left turn.  I would love to see what The Side could do with some better integration and a little more vocal exploration.

This album can be purchased at The Side Official Website

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