Search - Waking Ashland :: Well

Didn't live up to 'Composure'

Adam C. Butler | Denver, CO USA | 04/13/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"'Composure' was such a great album. So many hits on it with powerful guitar and heart warming piano. I was really excited for 'The Well' to come out, but I was disappointed to find that this album doesn't touch 'Composure'. The guitar sounds weak, the lyrics are not Jonathan's best work as they are kind of cliche, and it just sounds under-produced. While there are definitely some tracks that are catchy enough to get pretty well stuck in your head, it lost some of its emotion/passion. I guess I would say it's a little boring. 'Composure' had tracks like 'All For You', 'Edinger', 'Rumors', and 'October Skies' that had that piano-rock feel with that passionate, beautiful undertone with beautiful warm rhythm guitar. It also had the popular 'Hands On Deck' track that tugged at the heartstrings of the listener. 'The Well' doesn't have any such tracks.



I understand that bands have to change and progress throughout their albums, but I fear that this is a step backwards for them. It might be largely because of the fact that the guitar, bass guitar, and vocals are not mixed well, but all in all, I was overall kind of disappointed.



I gave this album 3 stars because it does have a few decent tracks such as 'Mark Like Mine' that has some great piano work and 'Let It Ring' and 'Drought of 2001' and 'Take Me With You' that have some potential. Hopefully Jonathan and the boys won't stray even further from 'Composure' on their next record."