Search - Enchant :: Break

ME AGAINST ALLMUSIC

carlos canales | Santiago, Chile | 12/18/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Allmusic.com that is.I've read a review were they bashed the music and lyrics of Enchant.They are in the pop side of prog, nothing is technical about them - they said.I say: hell, is there a rule somewhere that says: it's no good if it's not progressive enough? No comments about that.The singer has good range and power but tries to give depth to lyrics that don't have any profoundity in them - they said.Man, do they read the lyrics? Because it's the biggest lie in the world.I never read anything more poetic and meaningful in the lyrics of any other band, period.Man, i am pissed off!

Well. The music here in Break is the most melodic and pretty that the band has ever written.My Enemy is one of the best songs that i've ever heard and the best Enchant song (for me, at least): It features a building structure of drama and emotion that explodes in a mourning yet beautiful chorus.The Lizard is another stand out song, a highlight track that has power and groove to spare.There is heavy use in this cd of acoustic guitars and atmospheric keyboards so it's kind of softer that other Enchant albums, but still one of my favourites of them, along with A Blueprint Of The World, witch i'm trying to buy (it's out of print now).The first song (the title track) is kind of too much Grunge in feeling to me, but i like it.The bonus track is excellent.The production of the album is inmaculate and crystal clear sounding.

I almost forgot: a friend of mine, Osvaldo, tells me Enchant it's too comercial, almost radio friendly.Man, how i wish that radio stations played this music and that the band sells platinum!

Enough said! Buy it! Highly Recommended!



"

One of their best.

The Wickerman | Austin, TX | 08/26/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's funny how things work out sometimes. I love all of Enchant's albums, but for some reason, this one didn't quite grab me as quickly as the rest. Now, after repeated listens, I think it may be some of their strongest material to date.



Musically, it's a lot different from the previous two albums. Songs are shorter, more subtle, more to the point, but not necessarily simpler. Sonically, the album is darker, bleaker, and the hooks are less obvious (although still very much there). Mike Geimer's keyboards are used in a more dark and minimal fashion, and Paul Craddick's drumming is more tasty and nuanced than ever. You can tell here he's come a long way from the almost overbearing jazzy snare rolls that dominated the debut album, "Blueprint of the World". And of course, Ted's vocals are better than ever. Here, he sings a bit more in the lower ranges, and sounds more forlorn and emotional.



From the opening track, you know this is something different. The title track starts off soft and dreary, with Ted singing in a somewhat distant and subdued voice, leading perfectly into a heavy, visceral chorus. "The Lizard" and "King" are subtly catchy, while "In the Dark" and the wonderfully epic "My Enemy" are more dark and enveloping. "Silence" starts off with a Kansas-like synth melody, feeling a bit closer to home, and "Defenseless" has acoustic/electric guitar interplay that's nothing short of breath-taking. "The Cross" is wonderfully dynamic, and the hidden track, "Once a Week", ends things nicely, with a gentle acoustic ballad.



It may take time to appreciate, but this album is absolutely essential if you like Enchant. And, if you're not a big fan of theirs, this might appeal to you more, as it has a somewhat different aesthetic than the rest. Either way, I enjoy it, and highly recommend it."