Wow- been a while since I’ve been on here. Let me start off by saying, that I did not have sexual relations with that woman.
Nor her sister.
Or her dog…maybe.
Well, the last few days I’ve been listening to TFOT’s In the Unlikely Event. It is an album that might not have the atmosphere of Phantom on the Horizon, and it may not have the random changes of Manipulator, but it packs a punch in its own way. Almost half of the tracks on ITUE are Thomas Erak’s versions of pop songs. The Fall of Troy has included sing-along choruses and hooks, EGADS!? While many will probably see this as a weakness, I see it as more of an oportunity. This band has slowly learned to incorporate an element of popiness that their earlier albums were missing. You can’t always expect pure technical prowless to determine songwriting. Weezer is, or at least was, a good band.
Not at all to compare the two bands, as this album, despite it having some pop to it, still melts faces, frightens, and excites. Take “A Classic Case Of Transference” from 2:30 to the end. The music is constantly changing, furious, beautiful, and creative. The biggest improvement on songwriting is Frank on bass. He adds an interesting background to Thomas’s cirus-style playing. His jazz lines over solos bring an element that was missing with Ward.
Another plus side is knowing that TFOT knows they are writing poppier music. Track 5, titled “Single” is a radio-friendly single that still fits their style.
There are a few downsides to the album though. Erak’s voice sounds different than on earlier releases, with him obviously taking some voice lessons, but a few parts that are supposed to be showcasing his voice don’t really do him justice. At times, I could hear harmonies in my head that could have been included, but that’s production decision.
All in all, I say this is a solid album that might piss off some xxxhxcxxx fans, but most fans, music lovers, and hopefully some noobs will enjoy.
