Search - The Mr. T Experience :: Alcatraz

A beautiful album about the joys of a real relationship

05/30/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although the Mr. T Experience had been known for years as the seminal pop-punk band, with Alcatraz singer/song-writer Dr. Frank dropped the "punk" and the results are nothing short of amazing. The result is a beautiful indie-pop album, which certainly recalls Elvis Costello at his best. This new sound cost MTX a few old fans, but really ought to win them some new fans (those who are into emo and indie rock should find much to enjoy in Alcatraz). This album is most noteworthy for the song-writing, however. Dr. Frank sings about the joys and disbelief of (finally!) being in a loving relationship. The songs have almost a "you and me against the world" vibe to them, but those who have been through a string of bad relationship experiences before finally finding the right person should really be able to relate to. Frank's trademark sense of humor is still here as always, but it's toned down, the plays on words are wittier than ever, but they're also more subtle (which has lead to the comments that this is a more mature album). The vocals on the album are truely unique; Frank struggles (occasionally succeeding) to hit high notes. His voice isn't perfect, but it's sincere and (perhaps most surprisingly) legitimately soulful and moving. On songs like "Our days are Numbered" and "Perhaps" he sings with a gentle passion about the odds against his relationship succeeding, as his voice implies even more than his lyrics. All of this is perfectly complemented by wonderful pop guitar and piano arrangements. This is a damn fine album."