Search - Taking Dawn :: Time to Burn

A rocking album, but not what I hoped for

Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 05/14/2010

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I guess Taking Dawn is Roadrunner's next "it" band. The label was pushing these guys as the best new rock band, so I took a chance on their debut album Time to Burn, hoping for old school hard rock like Airbourne or Black Tide. Instead, Taking Dawn sounds mainly like Nickelback and Hinder.



OK, it's more like 75% Nickelback and 25% My Chemical Romance, but you get the idea. Time to Burn is a very upbeat, very melodic album, and I suppose there is something of an early Motley Crue vibe going on, but it mostly sounds like what you'd hear every day on mainstream rock radio. It rocks, but it's not my kind of rock.



I wanted to like this one. I really did. Unfortunately Taking Dawn just reminds me too much of the kind of rock I've been trying to escape these past few years. If the Nickelback style is your thing - and more power to you if it is - then by all means pick up Time to Burn. If you're looking for something a bit more old school, try some albums by Airbourne, Hardcore Superstar, American Heartbreak or Black Stone Cherry."

Incredibly good melodic hard rock from Las Vegas!

Nikiforos V. Skoumas | Athens Greece, Cambridge UK | 04/27/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
`Taking Dawn' was probably the most positive musical surprise of the past month. I had seen their promo video for the title track which gave me the impression of an attitude-fuelled rock 'n roll/hard rock band.



After getting the album and playing it start-to-finish the picture of `Taking Dawn' changed considerably: The band/album is melodic beyond expectations; we are talking about melodic guitar lines, extensive solos with twin leads plus crystal clear vocals doubled in the mix for an even greater melodic effect.

Of course all this is just complementary to the compositions which are catchy, one might say simplistic at times, but most importantly, easy for anyone to connect to.



Upon first play `Time to burn', might give you the impression of a rather spontaneous hard rock album; still if you focus on the bridges, choruses and solos you will probably find that the songs of `Taking Dawn' are actually carefully planned and although the lyrical concept remains simple, the instrumentations are actually well thought of and rather technical (particularly on the subject of guitars).



The line up features Chris Babbitt on lead vocals and guitar, guitarist Mikey Cross, bass player Andrew Cushing and drummer Alan Doucette. I would say that Chris is the actual focal point of `Taking Dawn', demonstrating versatile singing (tailoring his vocals to the mood of each track) while also being a rather technical lead guitarist; hence as a singer/guitarist package he is unexpectedly good.



Once again `Taking Dawn' was a huge delight; founding an American band so largely influenced by classic 80s hard rock and all the style that goes with it. I hope `Roadrunner' records would sign more acts in the style of melodic hard rock in the future.



Classic Rock UK magazine (issue 144) marks this album with 7/10 commenting: "You'll be hard pushed not to raise your fist and yell".

"

Check These Guys Out! (:

Firstmerit Customer | 02/07/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"So Ive been following this band forever now. They first requested me a few years ago on myspace when they were under the name 7th Son, and I was seriously one of their first 500 friends, which I found pretty cool. Definitely a kick ass band, again like the guy before said, Dragonforce/Motley Crue-esque vocals, with some Avenged Sevenfold like guitars. Just not as heavy.



I love when these guys have done with this CD, for an opening CD it blew me away. My Favorite songs on the album are Fight `Em With Your Rock and Close Your Eyes, along with a wonderful rendition of The Chain. I bought this CD a few days ago, and it hasnt left my player since, Ive probably played it a good 6 or 7 times. And thats only CD plays, I listened to the CD over and over again when they streamed it on their myspace.



Definitely check them out if youre into Rock of any kind."