UK Division Records
www.myspace.com/andersonband
Review: Craig Hartranft, 04.26.2010
I'm always ready to give most modern or alternative rock or metal the benefit of the doubt. I'll listen, even if only for one spin. But, at the very least, surprise me. Anderson's debut EP Take a Bow bored the ever living shit out of me. With the pop/prog sound, eerie atmospheric vocals, and shifting beats, it appears that Anderson and their label are trying to ride the UK wave that Muse has created.
Generally, this is principal player Ollie Chanter's (there is no Anderson in the band) vocals singing over layer upon layer of riffs and chord progressions. Guitarist Stu Toms is as unlikely to find a guitar solo as the US military is to finding Osama Bin Laden. At times Anderson can sound heavy as Seven or Moniker, but it's all conceptual atmosphere with no substance. There's not enough on Take a Bow to save this band from mediocrity in their chosen (and swollen) genre. Perhaps, the best element of Anderson is drummer Lucy Piper whose style merges the traditional with progressive. She should lose the two dudes and form her own band.
Take a Bow is more emo/hipster lyrical navel gazing and musical shoe staring: dull, apprehensive, and easily dismissible. If you listen set your alarm to wake you at five minute intervals.
Anderson's Take a Bow is more emo/hipster lyrical navel gazing and musical shoe staring: dull, apprehensive, and easily dismissible. If you listen set your alarm to wake you at five minute intervals.
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