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The
Soundtrack of Our Lives: Origin Vol. 1
After a decade of stomping around the Norse regions of Europe, The Soundtrack of Our Lives finally rode to the States in 2001 on the Swedish-rock wave that showed America how a frontman should really act and proved that American bands really have no idea how to dress themselves. (Who knew that matching three-piece suits and skinny ties would still look good after being sweat through and thrown through a drum kit?) Critically hailed as masterfully bringing together the passion of the Stooges, psychedelia of Love, and the immediacy of the Rolling Stones, the bands debut, Behind the Music, made the bearded Swedes fun to love and exciting to listen to. 2005 finds the band trying to fulfill their debuts promise on Origins Vol. 1. However, instead of once again invading Americas shores atop a relentless tsunami of guitars and growls, TSOOL sounds as if they have had their wings clipped. When lead singer Ebbot Lundberg rumbles through album opener Believe Ive Found, his voice sounds more like its still groggy from having just been awoken rather than being pushed to the brink from passion and urgency. Similarly, the rest of the band phones in with performances of such distanced automatic response that one might as well be listening to the background music at your local Starbucks. And while the album does have its redeeming moments (the albums first two tracks, Believe Ive Found and Transcendental Suicide, both expertly manipulate a groove with just the right amount of vitriol), the second half simply sputters with choruses without hooks, bridges without accents, and a general lack of explosiveness. The outcome is an album that fans will probably find enough substance to like, but would leave the casual listeners better off going to the latest Hives album for their Swede-rock fix.
The Soundtrack of Our Lives Official Website Check Amazon, Insound and CD Universe to purchase this album.
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