Search - Another Animal :: Another Animal

God Smack Joe

Andrew Estes | Maine | 10/02/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If the band's name -- Another Animal -- and the pyschedelic imagery gracing the album's cover weren't any indication, let it be known that this Godsmack-side-project is of a totally different nature and style than that of it's more iconic predecessor. Now, whether or not Another Animal succeed at distancing themselves is a different story, the fact remains that this will be an interesting listen for anyone who has grown accustomed to the Godsmack sound.



Pulled from shelved material from the "IV" recording sessions, Godsmack members Tony Rombola, Robbie Merrill and Shannon Larkin teamed up with Lee Richards (ex-Dropbox) and former Ugly Kid Joe/Medication frontman Whitfield Crane to record their self-titled debut over a year ago. Described by the band themselves as music that didn't fit into the Godsmack canon, it's fitting that they chose such a unique voice as Crane's to front the band. Surely, his signature style is of a much different nature than Sully Erna's, and at times where the band churns out some "Awake"-era 'Smack, he manages to spin the music around in a different direction. It's a voice that takes some getting used to, but after 2 or 3 full listens, you couldn't imagine anyone else singing these songs. "Broken Again" and "The Beast Within" are the kind of songs that sound tailor-made for modern-rock radio success, but elsewhere the band takes some unexpected turns. "Black Coffee Blues" comes in as the biggest shocker, a solid blues based track that is likely to win over any listener. Elsewhere, the punkish "Distant Signs" is more fitting with Larkin & Crane's musical past, while "Left Behind" and "Fade Away" are the obligatory but still solid ballads.



To be fair, this isn't a perfect album. The biggest problem is the mixing, as done by Dave Fortman (Evanescence, Mudvayne). Quite honestly, it makes the band sound generic, with Larkin's drum-parts toned down and the dual guitars hardly distinguishable from one another. Truly a case of an otherwise solid album being ruined by too much studio trickery. Also, it gets a bit repetitive from time to time, but what else would you expect from the men who brought you Godsmack? Fans of that band should definitely give this a fair listen though, because there are a few gems to be found. Heck, if you just enjoy turning on the radio and digging some guilt-free, easy to digest hard rock, Another Animal will fully satisfy."

Very Impressed

Charles Achord | Houston | 11/04/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was always an Ugly Kid Joe fan way before Godsmack came along, so when my friend told me about this collaboration I had to buy it.



To me, it rocks on most songs. There is one token song, that is still growing on me. I don't want to name it, but I think many of you will agree it seems (at first) to not belong on the CD.



I am just baffled how anyone might not wanna roll down the highway rocking out to this album.



I say buy and you will love it."

Another merging mix of musicians...does it work?

Leo Navarr | Donner Pass, California | 11/11/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Upon hearing the single "Broken Again" for several weeks on end, I was eager to find out who was behind it, and upon hearing the band was called "Another Animal" and featured members from Godsmack behind the vocalist Whitfield Crane (Ugly Kid Joe) I was excited to purchase this debut album.



Nowadays there are many mergings that have been successful, with the likes of the 3 album stint of Audioslave (ex-Soundgarden/Rage Against the Machine) and current rockers Velvet Revolver (Stone Temple Pilots/Guns and Roses) just to name a few. Most people think of Whitfield Crane and associate him with the popular singles from Ugly Kid Joe's "America's least wanted" album, but he in fact has a great range that was also seen some with the band "Life of Agony" for a short time, as well as some grunge rock appeal on the final Ugly Kid Joe album.



The vocals aren't the issue I have with this band, it is the fact it isn't really anything groundbreaking or special, but to expect the next "big thing" would be getting high hopes. Despite loving a lot of Godsmack's music, I am surprised that anyone would think they would find "similar" godsmack sounds here. There are some riffs on the second song called "Distant Signs" that sound somewhat like parts of Velvet Revolver and Chevelle, with backing vocals that are pretty good despite my mediocre interest in this song. The song "Broken Again" is every bit a nice alt rock song that shows a lot of reflection within the lyrics. Crane's a great singer that has a distinct voice and this song really brings that out.



At times some songs have a Southern rock style to them, but don't think I mean Lynyrd Skynyrd, for it still is fresh enough to rock and appeal to someone that likes modern FM Radio bands. The song "Amends" has a lot of attitude and the one following it aptly called "Interlude" is a nice, timeless acoustic with a great drumbeat. The latter half of the track listing is more of the same, with Crane crooning away, backed by basic guitar licks and songs that are simple and safe. If you are a fan of Whitfield Crane this is an album you should definitely consider, since Whit hasn't appeared on anything for a while now. If you think you are stumbling upon the second coming of rock and roll, or even the same success story of bands like Audioslave or A Perfect Circle, you might be disappointed. Fans of bands like Theory of a Deadman may find enough here for repeated listens as well.

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