What did I do to deserve?
Reviewed by Pete
I'm not an obsessive fan of this band, but their previous two records ("In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth" and "Good Apollo I'm Burning Star IV etc...") have been very exciting releases. Full of energetic songwriting, fantastic musicianship, and a nearly unnerving lead singer. I tried once to figure out the story line behind this epic space opera, and I very quickly gave up and decided to just enjoy the music for what it was. And they were just two really kick ass rock and roll records - stupid alien war or not. Unfortunately for me, this new album appears to be more focused on moving along and completing the story. There isn't really a stand out song or even a memorable chorus. The music is still extremely well played, but the songs are written and delivered in an almost lackluster fashion. Most of the tracks leading up to the grand finale sound like a shitty parody of Coheed and Cambria but with hints of Van Halen / The Who / and Pink Floyd. With the exception of the title track, which rocks as hard as anything on their previous albums.
The band almost pulls it off with the last 5 tracks "The End I - V." Starting the climax off with an awesome intro in "The Fall of House Atlantic" but, unfortunately they immediately suck any excitement out with the poppy and predictable "Radio Bye Bye". The best track on the album is the last one, "On The Brink." It is a slower more mellow song than the rest of my favorite Coheed songs from previous albums, but it maintains a pretty epic feel. The song clocks in at over 7 minutes most of which is instrumental, and a good one at that. And suitably so the album ends with a 3 minute guitar solo fading out into some organ and noise and then as quietly as the album begins it is over. No one really having been the better for hearing it.
I would also like to note that I pre-ordered this CD for $14 and received a cardbord envelope with the cover artwork and no lyrics or credits or liner notes. Only a note on the back telling me to visit coheedandcambria.com to see the booklet. I'm all for cutting down on paper and all that, but come on...I should have been warned.
There are no standout lines to check out, and so few high points its not worth listing them.
-Pete
Coheed and Cambria's Good Apollo Star IV part II: No World For Tomorrow.
Released 2007
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