Incredible full-length.
Benjamin J. Hooton-bartlett | Florida | 07/31/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I hadn't heard them until I saw them live with Curl Up and Die. I had heard so much about them, and it was all good. And boy, I came to find out that it was ALL true. The live show got me to purchase the CD, I listened to the CD and was once again blown away. This band knows how to rock, from chaotic hardcorish songs like "Dissolve" to soulful songs with rock and jazz influences like the closer "Grant's stand", they give you all you need to have in a CD. One of the best releases of 2002."
A Second Engine makes a Great First Impression
E. Peltier | North Arlington, New Jersey United States | 08/17/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The writing of a great album is a balance of passionate intent and a uniquely inspired brilliance. Not since BSF's ATE has there been a melodic hardcore effort of such an undulating sonic experience as Time in Malta's debut full-length effort.These bay area youths challenge the notion that only thrash metal rises out of the San Francisco fog by releasing an effort of epic proportion. Do not let their youthful presence fool you, these twelve songs are effortlessly crafted in mature song structures and harmonically memorable hooks that will haunt well beyond the depths of the tympanic membrane.From the outright aggression of "This is our Voice," which opens the record, through the subtle disposition of thec loser "Grant's Stand," T.i.M. provide an aural attraction which
utilizes sedating hooks and powering riffs to paint a portrait of sonic excellence. The balance of beauty and barraging sound is as memorable as it comes and strides beyond the boundaries of stereo-typical commercial rock stagnation and heart-pounding hardcore aggression.
The melodic hardcore genre is probably the next great trend in alternative music styles, but T.i.M. are well ahead of the curve not just the for the underground's pulse on A Second Engine, they are light years before their time for the masses. It can not be stressed enough how well composed the songs are and how well executed the sound is. The dynamics are well created without the contrived pretension associated with the commercial forum and the fluctuation between the gruff vocal passages and the comforting melodic movements is a smooth as a calm sea, yet stimulates the emotions like an oncoming tsunami. So, if you are ready to turn the key on the second engine for your rock listening vehicle, than get in the seat of the machine known now as Time in Malta and prepare to fully understand the implied meaning of their name."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1
