An Obvious Noise
Scott Minnich | Moscow, ID | 05/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am still in awe of this album. I have been listening to it nonstop since I got it 5 days ago. It is excellent from start to finish, beginning to end. I remember the first time I heard this band was at a live performance in a small theatre. They put on an absolutely unbelievable show that I will remember for the rest of my life. They are a band that is charismatic and passionate and even more importantly than that, they are honest. They write music from their souls and they dont cater it to any trends (thank God) or attempt to be another one hit wonder, dime a dozen, good for nothing sell out pop band that everyone will forget about in 6 months.
No, Post Stardom Depression is pure, dirty rock n roll. They live and breath rock n roll. This is music that transcends time, like Led Zeppelin. They leave the listener thinking: "I wish I would have written that song." Primetime is the follow up to their first full length album "Ordinary Miracles" (also brilliant and highly recomendable). In my effort to describe the sound of Post Stardom Depression I would say that they are a highly original band that combines incredible individual talent of each of its members to form a well rounded smooth and talented rock group that is the pinnacle of success in terms of how a band should function. Their sound is a new twist on dirty blues-rock with their own grungy spin.
The band was spawned in the Seattle-Tacoma scene, saw immediate success, signed a major label record deal, was unhappy with the direction the label was forcing them to take their music, and thought better of the situation and returned home to make the album that they wanted. That is the most respectable decision the band could have made. Turning down potential wealth and fame for real rock music.
Jeff Angel is an excellent lyricist and talented singer. His voice is addicting. He has an excellent range, amazing tone, and creates perfect melodies for each and every song. Kyong Kim digs in on guitar with some of the best rock riffs I have ever heard. He has an excellent sense of melody and uses this to the bands advantage when writing memorable guitar parts in songs like "What You See Is What You Get." Joshua Fant and Brent Saunders (drums and bass respectively) hold the rythm with precision and originality. Saunders has bass lines that feel so good they make your hair stand up on the back of your neck, and Joshua Fant hits the snare like he means it. Listen to the drums on "The One That Got Away" and you will think to yourself: "Damn."
I could write about this band for hours. If you like good old rock n roll as it should sound then this band is for you. Jimmy Page would smile to himself if he heard this and say "Yeah I think they've got it! I think they figured it out." If I could give you one piece of advice it would be this: Buy the album, and then go see the band live. It will change your life, I guarantee it. Keep up the good work you guys. Rock Steady!!!"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1