Are they rock, punk or alternative? You might ask but not be able to answer. Neither can I but I don't care. I found this band on MySpace over a year ago and thought they were amazing then, with amazing vocals in particular. Some reviewers have already found them, including a contract with MTV and a record deal with Tyrannosaurus Records (Adam Duritz of the Counting Crows started this label and discovered the band on MySpace.)
Oh dear, mention MTV and that's usually enough for me to think twice about reviewing them -- after all, if a band goes commercial that quickly, I have to wonder if they will maintain the magic that attracted me in the first place, or will they go downhill as the newest victims of 'committee' and 'marketable mainstream' good intentions?
Still, I waited and came back after awhile to see how they were progressing. Some reviewers have called them similar to Fall Out Boy, especially around the vocal chords. I'm not sure it was meant as a compliment (sarcasm!), but I happen to LOVE Fall Out Boy and love their vocals, so as far as I'm concerned that is a big plus.
Can they stay a mix of rock punk and alternative and still be a hit (Fall Out Boy comparisons notwithstanding)? I think so. Complex and hard driving musicality emanate from this band. Angst driven vocals and adventurous lyrics compliment but don't overshadow the inventiveness and aggressiveness needed for hard-core rock and metal endeavors, not to mention the needed guitar riffs!
But you decide, as you are the folks they really need to please in order to prove that they can go the distance as a major music force that proves that you can mix and meld music genres.
You can find their MySpace site at http://www.myspace.com/blacktopmourning
Enjoy and happy holidays!
CG Anderson
cganders1@yahoo.com
