In concept and choice of sound, Complex Zero takes all the right steps; however, in the actual performance and final product, they fail. Instead of playing straight up metal or hardcore as their image would suggest, they try to find a balance between meaning and in-your-face yelling.
Musically, the 35 minutes of "Everyone Has an Hourglass" is mediocre at best, held back by poorly placed background screams and overly simplistic lyrics. An example of this is "Complications," a fairly entertaining song held back by, among other things, ridiculously lame intro vocals and an unoriginal theme: Breaking up.
Maybe the lyrical highlight of the album comes with the track "Lacking All," where lead singer Ben Larson chooses to use the great line "Failure's not your choice/It's the one that's chosen you," but background screaming behind the word "choice," really breaks up the deep lyrics, destroying the mood.
Complex Zero warrants admiration for their approach to music, but gives no real reason to actually listen to their music. Maybe the band will find their footing in the coming years or even a few records down the line, but the answer as to whether or not you should pick up "Everyone Has An Hourglass" isn't too complex. BO
www.complexzero.com |
