J. Moscatello | mt pleasant, sc United States | 02/28/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"i loved every second of tantric's debut-the intricate guitar work made me fall in love with the band.now with their second album, the guitar work is still there, but it is heavier by their standards.i think the classic "acoustic sounding" sound that they brought to the table on their first disc gave the band their signature style, and i do hear it with this album, just not in large quantities as the last cd.i also find myself having to listen to songs several times to get into them, rather than with the first album, i was jamming out to every song upon first listen.this is a great album, don't get me wrong, and i will continue to listen, but if checking out this band for the first time, stick to the debut for now.good effort guys.for fans of shinedown,3 doors down,revis,fuel,and days of the new (features former members of DOTN)."
Great songs, but too AIC
Robert VerBruggen | USA | 05/30/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This record solidly avoids the infamous "sophomore slump." It is a well-done but unsurprising follow-up to the group's 2001 self-titled debut.
The album changes little in terms of style: take Alice in Chains, subtract some metal, emphasize the acoustic guitars and add some pop. No song from the new release would seem out of place on the debut.
On the one hand, the music is instantly recognizable as Tantric, and after only one release this is an accomplishment. On the other hand, only AC/DC can get away with releasing the same album more than a few times in a row.
One advantage After We Go has, however, is its more consistent quality. Though there is no track of smash-hit single caliber (like the first record's "Breakdown"), all of the songs are catchy enough to be played on the radio. This contrasts sharply with the hit-and-miss nature of the group's debut.
The only disappointment is the Fleetwood Mac cover "The Chain." A successful cover has to be either (a) better than or (b) radically different from the original. "The Chain" is neither, keeping the original vibe while changing the chorus melody just enough to make it sound wrong.
To the recording's credit, though, it nicely brings out the verse's harmonized vocals in a way that screams Alice in Chains.
The other 11 tracks are full of innovative guitar work, catchy melodies and haunting vocal harmonies. Some standouts are the "Breakdown"-reminiscent "Hey Now," the chilling title track and the heavy "Before."
Hopefully, future Tantric releases will branch out beyond their current sound. Most importantly, they will need to establish an identity free of Alice in Chains references to stay relevant. But After We Go is worth picking up in the meantime for anyone who liked the band's debut."
Was a bit skeptical at frist
T. Ulreich | IL | 06/13/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"but...this is a great follow up from there debut, i highly recommend this cd to anyone. the remake of the chain by fleetwood mac is brilliant. i never really got into tantric until now but i dont know why. there debut is really good to. hey now is also a great song but there are so many other great tracks on this cd as well. so go do yourself a favor and buy this cd and days of the new if you like it."
One of the best follow up albums
Laura | Ontario | 03/20/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Tantric's sophomore effort is pure brilliance. After hearing seeing them live, I immediately went out and bought their self-titled debut and every SECOND of the album was up to pitch, fantastic rock music. So when I heard they were coming out with another album, I was ecstatic. Though this album is a little more 'hard' then their first CD, it's still amazing and those acoustics made famous by Todd are still there. Their first single 'Hey Now' is actually more like their old stuff. My favourite song on the CD would have to be 'Hero', a brilliant done song. 'The Chain' is a Fleetwood Mac remake, the beginning doesn't really sound like Tantric but once it gets to the chorus, you can hear their signature sound. From start to finish this album delivers and I cannot WAIT to hear more. If you liked the first album from Days of the New, Tantric's first CD or just love rock music you won't be disappointed with this.
That was my review after the first week of having the CD, now I have a little more to say. Tantric's 'After We Go' is a timeless album, it hasn't left my CD player since it's release. It's one of those albums that you can put on replay for the rest of your LIFE and still want to hear more. Each track is amazingly good, it's like a big juicy apple pie, rich and delicious. The opener, 'Chasing After' is a fast paced starter, Hugo's vocals are extremely well done here, lyrically good as well. 'After We Go' is one of my favourites (tied with about 5 others), the background vocals surpass Hugo's...strange, no. The talent of this band is overflowing. 'Falling Away' is musically, one of the best songs I've heard. The guitar work is actually intelligent. The first single 'Hey Now' is a single I actually love to listen to. 'Hero' which was my favourite song when I first got the CD has now dropped a fair bit, it's still brilliant - a somewhat sweet anthem, if that is an apology, I accept. 'The Chain' is a Fleetwood Mac cover, very well done of the classic, the chorus is hard edged, I love Hugo's vocals on the 'and if you don't love me now, you will never love me again', chills. 'Change The World' is a great song to start off if you're a new Tantric fan, it's not as experimental, still extremely well done. 'Just Once' is my favourite song, I think when I listen to it, I go into a different world, the guitars and vocals put me into this dream and I never want to wake up. These last few songs are what I call the creme de la creme, the best damn music I've ever heard in a long time! All of these are tied with 'After We Go' for my favourite after 'Just Once' - that didn't really make sense. In any case, 'Relentless' is lyrically amazing, Hugo's vocals are sexy as hell. 'Alright' - what can I say, the chorus ... if you're a woman, you will get caught up in the vocals, I am telling you, there is nothing sexier than Hugo's vocals. Todd - you are a god. Always will be. 'Before' really, there isn't much more I can say ... if I had a thesaurus close by I would look up some more incredible words to describe it's brilliance. Lastly, 'Awake', a great closing song but every time I get there I wish there was more. I hit repeat for the time being and I am counting down the days for the next album!!"
Great follow up
givemerock | Plainfield, IL United States | 07/22/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Simply put "If you liked their first you'll like this". In fact this gives their debut a run for the money. Great music and as always strong vocals. The cover of "Chain" by Fleetwood Mac doesn't do much for me. That shows how much the rest of their material outshines that. Great cd."