Search - Sheila Divine :: Where Have My Countrymen Gone

TSD take things to the next level

Timothy J. Cawley | Minneapolis | 05/21/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"TSD's previous album, The New Parade, was a powerful, melodic burst of adrenaline. That album's one weakness was its one-trick-pony production: Mellow, atmospheric verse...escalating bridge...explosive chorus. It worked to grand effect, but it was limiting. On their latest CD however, TSD expand and improve on their trademark whisper-to-a-scream sound without losing any of their sonic wallop. I loved their first album. This one is dramatically better. Adam Perrino is an impressive vocalist with great range. He can take a subdued falsetto to a manic scream effortlessly. The songs are catchy and emotive. The band is propulsive and provides the arrangements with alternating delicacy and muscle. But the real story here is the added diversity of material. It's less of an indie guitar epic this time around. There's a radio ready sheen and confidence that shows their first effort wasn't just a fluke. This is a band that's gaining confidence and growing musically. Every Year, Walking Dead, Sideways, and Countrymen are all standouts. And each is distinct from the next.Imagine Catherine Wheel covering early U2 and you get and idea of the dramatic flair that is the Sheila Divine's Where Have All My Countrymen Gone. Tuneful guitar rock doesn't get much better than this."

One of the best albums I've heard in years

G. Feldman | MA, United States | 11/25/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had never heard of the Sheila Divine until a friend put this cd on the stereo for me. I was completely blown away, and they are now one of my favorite bands. The album moves seamlessly from heartbreaking ballads to enthusiastic, straight rock seemingly without effort.

Among the highlights:
"Countrymen" starts the album off, which is a beautifully rendered commentary on the state of patrotism in the US. "Ostrich" is faster paced, raw, and sensuous. This was the first song that caught my attention. "Every Year" and "Sideways" are also pretty great. However, In my opinion, "Spirits" is what makes the album. It's an achingly beautiful, hard ballad that can remind anyone of past heartbreak, and well, the ability of the past to screw up the present. This is where Aaron's vocals really shine and soar. "Monarchs" and "Some Kind of Home" both are equally as good.

The band in general is very tight and well, for lack of a better phrase, really GOOD. Aaron's vocals are intense. I don't mean to gush, but the Sheila Divine really is a great band, and this album is amazing. It's a must have for anyone into indie rock.

The Sheila Divine has really enhanced the Boston rock scene. Sadly, they've broken up. T.T. the Bears and the Paradise really miss them. We all do.

Enough of my tangent. Get the album. You won't regret it."

The Greatest Band Ever

Dr. Anti-Pop | 04/13/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had the oppourtunity to see this band openig up for Our Lady Peace. I had never heard of them before that but after i heard their fist song i bought both of their cd's. My god, i have never heard such a voice. Aaron Perrino can go from a whisper to a roar in an instant and with his eloquent and amazing poetry, it just makes me want to cry,laugh,and occasionally scream in anger. Songs about Heartbreak(Spirits),lost partiotism(Countrymen), or comparing women to dictators(Antidote) all the songs are captivating and wonderful to listen to. The musicianship of the rest of the band is amazing. The tunes are really catchy. So if you want shallow pre-packaged teeny-bop, souless techno, or the worst genre ever, rap, then the masterful melodies of the Sheila Devine are not for you. But if you like good rock get this album or see them live you will not be dissapointed."