By: Anders

Posted: Sep 17, 2005

This is the first solo album from James LaBrie, best known from his performance in Dream Theater, and the only material I have heard with him, is his work in the mentioned band. His 2 first albums under the Mullmuzzler moniker have I yet to hear.

The first thing that strikes me here, is that LaBrie's vocals are more emotional, than in the Dream Theater context. Of course his vocals there are emotional as well, but also more aggressive and following the huge moods and atmospheres, their music are made of. This is more simple music, which grips the listener and keeps the grip through out the songs. Great rock-inspired tunes with a healthy dose of metal, and some pop-inspired hooks. The compositions are soothing and very listenable, often very calm, driving forward in a nice and easy pace. On top of the well-played music are the great vocals of LaBrie. He shows all of this big register and he does have more strings to play on, than the ones we hear in Dream Theater.

The facets of the music, vocals and atmospheres are changing all the time, and emotional rollercoaster, from sadness and loss to happiness and hope for the future. All stages are well made and often are the atmosphere and following elements hit in the head of the nail. The album seems quite worked through and as a whole unit. The album does in my opinion work best, when its played in its full length, maybe due to my favourite track are track 11 'In Too Deep'. Heavy guitar riffs, with an industrial edge to them, electronic spheres playing behind the guitar and good and varied vocal work, some drenched in effects, others the real LaBrie. There is some aggressiveness present, in both the music and the vocals, and some reflection over the happenings, with a very quiet ending, a very good track in my opinion.

The album is maybe a bit too long, but well, if one is hit by the music, the length most likely wont matter. It is a good and whole album James LaBrie and his band here have made. Good songs, good performances from the talented musicians and a good vocal efforts as well. Fans of LaBrie are going to enjoy this album, that's for sure, others might become a bit bored in the long run.

Rating: 8/10

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