THE RELAPSE SYMPHONY – Shadows (2014)
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Washington, DC, based THE RELAPSE SYMPHONY might be a band you’re familiar with if you constantly stay updated on social media communities like Twitter, as they are constantly making new friends amongst their growing fan base and showcasing why they’re a huge competitor in the horror-pop genre. But I doubt it, because The Relapse Symphony is much more modern than the music we usually feature here on this blog, and you should prefer classic rock sounds.
The Relapse Symphony is one of the youngest candidates called to be the Melodic Hard Rock for the new generation, and that’s what they try to capitalize on their full-length debut studio album “Shadows” released today, July 8th, via Standby Records.
At first sonic exposure, The Relapse Symphony may remind you of My Chemical Romance, Black Veil Brides, among others of modern era melodic hard rock who preceded them. Before you run and discard this album / review, continue reading…
The Relapse Symphony are somehow influenced by these acts, but dropped into LA’s Sunset Strip circa 1987. Yes, the compositions on “Shadows” are ridiculously catchy, hooky, melodic, all wrapped in a modern sound, but extremely effective with songs around the 3 minute mark.
After the instrumental “Embrace The Darkness” with a horror movie tone, and first proper track “We Are The Broken”, an energetic, fast paced rocker with a radio-friendly smell (the combination could be compared with Motley’s Shout at the Devil first two tracks) take a look at The Relapse Symphony members; they have the whole big hair (selling out black dye), tattoos out the kazoo, denim and leather thing going on ala Eighties glam.
Musically, what they take away from this classic genre is the strong vocal harmonies, significant catchy melodies, big rock groove, enough metal edge, and, gasp, for modern rock, some guitar solos.
These are good elements, and consequently good strengths to have if you want media success. Then throw in some youthful angst about being downtrodden, misunderstood or simply rejected in lost love, and I can see 15 year old girls begging their daddies to take them to a show.
Considering the odd paths rock music could take from ‘back in the day’ to this day, The Relapse Symphony could be third generation and this generation’s Motley Crue or Guns ‘N Roses.
Yes, I know many fans of the genre will call me tone deaf, but listen carefully fellas… the hooks, the simple yet catchy arrangements, the urgency.., even the band members hair / clothes.
Whether some would call it a flaw or not, there is a certain ‘sameness’ to the songs. Best case scenario is that the band is refining their sound, worst case is that reached a deadend already on the first album.
Nevertheless, The Relapse Symphony definitely makes a case for interesting and generally entertaining modern melodic hard rock, that recalls the best of the genre, past and present.
Give it a try and check what your daughter may be listening today…
01 – Embrace The Darkness
02 – We Are The Broken
03 – Battlefield of Lies
04 – One More Yesterday
05 – Make Your Move
06 – Savage Eyes
07 – Walls
08 – Angels Take Us Demons Save Us
09 – The Ghost That Got Away
10 – Forever Slowly
11 – Shadows
Bret Von Dehl – Vocals
JC Charles – Guitar
Ray Miller – Guitar
Brandon Kile – Bass
Alex Foxx – Drums
BUY IT !
merchnow.com/catalogs/the-relapse-symphony
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