Review Summary: Post-Hardcore's top prospect...
Bounce Energy Hear Me Out
Post-Hardcore is in a state of emergency. Most bands who once were shining stars of the genre have either evolved into completely different beings (At the Drive-In), stagnated and have become caricatures of their older self (Sparta), decided to give up their roots and release element based albums that are more often boring than experimental or progressive (…), or just decided to not release anything for six years (Glassjaw). Even those who are producing albums and holding the reins of Post-Hardcore aren’t doing that much in the way of fresh and/or interesting. A new champion is needed, and with
Bounce Energy Hear Me Out, New Jersey quartet,
Lady Radiator have produced a fresh, crisp, and exhilarating debut that displays a potential for greatness and something new that may prove to be something very special.
Lady Radiator, for those looking for a vague description of sound, could be described as the bastard child of a three-way which included At the Drive-In, Anthony Green (Circa Survive), and a The Receiving End of Sirens. This, however, would be pigeon-holding a very unique entity. The hero of this entity being lead singer, Kenny Ramirez whose higher-register vocals include beautiful crooning, yelps of anger, and a solid amount of layered effects. From the raw aggression of “Wayne Brady Don’t Hold Me Back” to his beautiful work on the goofy-yet-lovable acoustic track, “Ships Are For Sailing Not For Leaving,” his ability is unquestionable.
In that vein, the performances of each band member are incredibly tight. Each member shines from the crunching riffs that both pound the listeners face in “Ready Explode,” while still managing to be catchy. They manage to make a small band in number have a big sound oftentimes bordering on epic climaxes…more on that to come. The rhythm section is stellar. The drums are never overly showy, but always are solid complimenting the sound of the guitars, holding their insanity together. The bass isn’t much to behold…a fill here or there but generally it doesn’t have that much effect on things, it just does what is expected, nothing more or less. Last but not least are the keys. Like the drums, they don’t try to overwhelm, but suit what is going on and just add that little extra element of uniqueness to an already unique band.
This album is not all peaches and cream, however. The production isn’t very good. At many points, the band creates something that struggles to become an epic climax, but, doesn’t quite reach it. The percussion is all but drown out as well. A few of the songs also aren’t quite winners. “Box Turtle, Magnificent Isn't She” overstays its welcome, and becomes very repetitive. “Date: 4 Years Old” is an interesting ambient/electronic attempt, but one that falls short of being anything special with repeated listens. These hiccups can be overlooked when listening to the brilliant songs that are “Ready Explode” and the highlight, “Elude,” which both demonstrate the propensity for greatness that could come with the advent of just a bit more maturity.
Bounce Energy Hear Me Out is not the masterpiece the Post-Hardcore scene is looking for to be revitalized. It is, however, a fantastic album which drips with promise coming from a young band that lacks a bit of maturity. Lady Radiator demonstrates a tight approach that at all times will at least leave the listener feeling that this is something to behold, and that the band is a band to watch in the future. The album is one of the best 2007 had to offer and should not be overlooked in 2008 like it was last year. This band is something special, and it shows the promise of great things to come. Will Lady Radiator be the saviors of Post-Hardcore? I don’t know. But they are a fresh breath into a dying genre.
