Lucerin Blue "Tales of the Knife" CD
[Tooth & Nail]
The piano introducing the opening track, "Game", really threw me for a loop and had me expecting some sort of really tame emo shit or something. But ironically enough it turns out that this Canadian group plays melodic metalcore with what I'd be remiss not to call "nu-metal" leanings (or "nu-rock" or whatever the fuck you'd call those catchy radio bands that aren't really the least bit metal but still fall in with that whole genre to some degree). But fuck it, because I'll be damned if I don't like this quite a bit. Sometimes it sounds like a heavier, more intricate, and certainly less cheesy P.O.D. mixed with something like Shades Apart (I know, it makes no sense, but it's true). What can I say? I like it. It's just catchy as hell. The songwriting is really memorable. I'm a sucker for stuff like this when it's got a good recording and it sticks in your head. There are lots of thick chords with melodic tinges and some slick clean breaks (occasionally acoustic), really nice drumming and a good bass presence, and a slight hip-hop slant to some of the vocal arrangements (but just barely, and the verbiage isn't geared in that direction at all). It's definitely not for everyone, but if you're down for good songs and you don't give a fuck about genres, I'd say this is worth a shot. The production is nice and toasty with natural tones and lots of texture without being too pristine or muddy, it's right there in the middle. Minor aspects could stand for some work, but the overall sound is really good and doesn't bother me in the least. I like the layout a lot. The imagery uses few colors (shades of black and white with red and orange) and consists of high contrast illustrations and collaged old photos and such, all with small, precise text arranged on a slant, which looks very cool. It's not too over the top, but certain panels definitely catch the eye. The lyrics seem personal and while not really jumping out at me aren't so bad, they're vague enough as to where I don't feel like any topics are totally concrete: "Are we just wasting time, Or should we give up and die, Are we a voice without words, The limit always seems to be the sky, And everybody close their eyes, All the bodies shut their minds..." Like I said, it's all about songs and catchiness here, not stereotypes and shit like that. I'm getting to the point where I don't give a fuck as long as the songs are catchy. A good song is a good song and this CD is a good CD because of that fact. If you feel so inclined, check it out. If you're too super brutal underground, well, hey, go fuck yourself and stick with what you like instead. (7/10)
Running time - 47:03, Tracks: 11
[Notable tracks: Game, Monday in Vegas, Chorus of the Birds, Sunset Blvd.]
Tooth & Nail Records - http://www.toothandnail.com

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