Secret & Whisper

Yeah, this band sounds exactly like the current inception of Saosin. That’s the elephant in the room here, and it’s certainly a bull of one. Whether or not this is appealing to you is ultimately going to decide if this release belongs in your player, since the entire disc carries the same slick drum production, energetic and ambient guitar work, and soaring (annoying?) high-pitched vocals as the self-titled release from the aforementioned rockers. That noted, we can try to dig past this in search of buried treasures.

There are some similarities you’ll need to overcome. The intro to “Lovers” is extremely close to that of Saosin’s “Voices”. I also need to note, whether it was at all intentional, that the standard ballad here is the tenth track on the album, just as Saosin’s “You’re Not Alone” is on their latest album. It’s unfortunately quite a task polishing the familiarity from these tracks to reveal any shine, but it is possible.

If they can get by this initial resemblance (more like mirroring), listeners will likely discover some more atmospheric songwriting behind the overpowering vocals, which does make the album flow fairly steadily from beginning to end. The vocal performance also, despite sounding too familiar for comfort, is admirable. The album’s mix does a great job of highlighting the different musical elements available, which sometimes surpasses those of the oft-referenced Saosin.

The cleverly titled “Spider Besider” and painfully titled “XOXOXO” are highlights that allow the band’s talent to break through the copycat crust. The vocals on the former, regardless of what you think of this genre or album, are beautifully executed.

I’m a Saosin fan (albeit less of one since Anthony Green’s departure), and so I’ve found some things to enjoy about this release. While comparing this album to another may not sit right with some, there isn’t really any other way of pulling off this review. I enjoyed this record after spending enough time with it; there is indeed some merit here. The question is, do you have the patience and pardoning to find it?  [ END ]

Track Listing:

01. Blonde Monster
02. You Are Familiar
03. Vanishings
04. XOXOXO
05. The Actress
06. Spider Besider
07. Looming Moon
08. Attacker
09. Anchors
10. Werewolves
11. Lovers
12. Great White Whale

Run Time: 42:06