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Alive in Stereo: Alive in Stereo (EP)
Alive in Stereo: Alive in Stereo (EP) album new music review

Alive in Stereo: Alive in Stereo (EP)

Modern Melodic Hard Rock
4.5/5.0

Independent/Self-promotion
www.aliveinstereo.com
www.myspace.com/aliveinstereoband
By Craig Hartranft,  10.31.2010

Alive in Stereo is an upstart hard rock band from Denver, Colorado. A little more than a year out from their first gig, the band gives us their debut, seven song, self-titled EP. Alive in Stereo's musical style leans towards typical modern melodic post-grunge hard rock but, thankfully, does not add hardcore, the other common ingredient in modern hard rock and metal. Their sound is heavy and direct yet, thanks to their reliance on melody, a hook and a groove, never overtly heavy-handed, with the possible exception of Oh My God. More on that in a moment.

While AIS' sound my be mainstream modern rock, and very good at that, their music turns on something more significant. Listening to Chris Evans lyrics, you might say Alive in Stereo's music, against current trends, has a moral center. Possibly, or at least we can hope. Change Things, Impossible, and American resound with meaningful prose that invokes thoughtfulness, maturity and, God forbid, personal responsibility. I could suggest that American actually shows some responsible nationalism beyond fascist jingoism. However, I don't know these guys. After all, it's only rock and roll, and Evans and company could be bullshitiing us. I hope not, because this makes them better than current modern fare.

To the point, the song Oh My God works against the modern sexual nihilism promoted by Nickeback, Hinder, or My Darkest Days. Even with its blaring and blatant vulgarity, Oh My God, through Evans' mindful reflection, shows the perils of a relationship based entirely on sex, even when one participant's heart is true. Call it introspection or second thoughts, even Everything is Burning questions the substance of relationships.

Alive In Stereo's music may suggest mainstream fare, but even so the music is quite good: you want to listen to it. I must have played this disc four or five times to great satisfaction. And that says much, considering my skepticism of modern American hard rock. With the combination of a sound modern melodic rock motif and intelligent, even thought provoking lyrics, Alive In Stereo's debut EP is authentic and entertaining music. Strongly recommended!




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In Short

With the combination of a sound modern melodic rock motif and intelligent, even thought provoking lyrics, Alive In Stereo's debut EP is authentic and entertaining music. Strongly recommended!

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