Search - Archers of Loaf :: Seconds Before the Accident

The end?

michael donohoe | Mechanicsburg, PA United States | 06/27/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Seems like many critics review albums that they either love or hate. Can't say that about this one. Its good, but seldom reflects the true raw power the Archers are capable of. I never understood comparisons to Pavement. Archers rock while Pavement merely meanders and haven't made a decent record since 1991's Slanted and Enchanted. In short, Archers blow Pavement away.Highlights on this live record are "Let the Loser Melt", "Lowest Part is Free" and the delicate "Chumming the Oceans." I hope we hear more from Archers because I was intrigued by their ever changing direction. Bands that stay stagnant deserve to die slow, painful deaths. That was never these guys. Sure was sweet to hear Eric B's splintered howl once again."

True colours....

Luke Johannsson | Kitchener, Ontario | 06/23/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Everything about this CD is bittersweet. The moment I pulled this from the rack, 8 years of loyal decdication came to a head. I didn't have any expectations, I wasn't going to try to compare it to the likes of Icky, GOAT, Cattle, or Vee Vee, and I was going to enjoy it on the same level as I had enjoyed the 5 Archers shows I had attended. I know, I know...I have just made my bias blatently obvious; however, I am reviewing the content of this album not my love of the band.The sound quality is excellent with my only objection being Mark Price's snare drum on some fast/loud tracks sounding like a plastic bucket (reminiscent to the Vee Vee recording) but I guess it depends on your stereo quality too. There's not nearly enough audience noise that would help project that live feel. They should have learned to use more screaming fans as they did in Vitus Tinnitus. The only other flaw is the poor mix between songs. One of the most appealing qualities of a AOL live show is the banter between songs. There is banter, but it's often cut off abruptly.The songs: I couldn't have assembled a better palette. Songs spanning their entire career are included and with some surprises (eg. "You and Me"). All of the songs are well done and display the true energy of each piece. The listener can really get a feel for what excellent musicians and song writers these four guys were (and still are, in a side project sense). Some tracks are much better live then their album counter parts. For example, "White Trash Heros" is magnificant live, whereas on the album it sounds as if it's the product of a few tweeked knobs and some pushed buttons. The same can be said for "Chumming the Oceans" which has so much emotion live. For those of you looking for adreneline in hard rock form need only to listen to "Vocal Shrapnel", "Fabricoh", "Let the Loser Melt", "Wrong", and on and on... Lastly, the packaging (Luke, how vain can you possibly be?). This is just a sour note on my part. This album had been pushed back significantly, and I can say for certain that it wasn't for sake of the packing and art work. There is nothing visually gratifying about this album, no crazy liner notes, and it comes over as if the Alias staff used their days lunch money to put it together. They even printed the band and album name on the spine of the CD upside down, and I really hate when that happens. Overall, this live album exposes the true ability and energy of the band. It's all songs that you have heard before (maybe) played live, in front of an audience, without any do-overs or overdubs. It's great to listen to as you're getting ready to go out and party. If you have an affinity for live albums, then this is great. If you are an Archers fan, it's a must have. Most importantly, it's a mix tape for all of you who want an introduction to the band. GET IT....Thank you."

Seconds - flat

Jim | Royersford, PA United States | 06/12/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I am a self-professed Archers of Loaf junkie! As an Archers fan, you pretty much have to be. So it pains me to say that the album I was so looking forward to receiving, failed to meet my insatiable desire for Archer's material. Seconds before the Accident is in no way a bad album, it just doesn't deliver what I know the band is capable of delivering in a live album.Seconds is definitely a diverse album, spanning all of the Archers previous full-length albums with at least one song. I mention this because while I think Vitus Tinnitus is a far superior Archers live album, it only contains six live tracks with three from Vee Vee alone. So if you are looking for a wide variety of live songs from Archers, Seconds Before the Accident is the only choice.Among the highlights from the album are: "Vocal Shrapnel" and "Strangled by the Stereo Wire" from All The Nations Airports, "Fashion Bleeds" from White Trash Heroes, "You and Me" leading into "Might" just as it does on Icky Mettle, and my favorite "Revenge" which unfortunately though was the vs. The Greatest of All-Time version not the far superior Speed of Cattle version.If you are new to the Loaf I recommend that you begin your experience with either The Speed of Cattle or Vitus Tinnitus. Seconds Before the Accident is a better addition for an existing Loaf fan thanks to the variety of live material. However a true fan will likely be disappointed with the sound quality and apparent lack of energy of the band on the particular night they recorded this album in November 1998. All and all this album is average . . . not bad, but not great either. I can only hope that they come back in concert one more time so I can get the true live Archers of Loaf experience.Go Loaf"